Leeds Millennium Square transformed into a vibrant, open-air celebration of rock ‘n’ roll as Sounds of the City put on a fantastic evening of music.
A sold-out crowd filled the heart of the City for a triple bill that delivered everything you’d want from a summer night gig: incredible music, beautiful weather, and a crowd that knew exactly how to bring the energy.
Alex Spencer kicked things off. If you are not familiar with Alex Spencer, he’s one to know. Already commanding attention, Spencer’s performance was confident and full of heart.
The 18 year old, who is most famously known for busking on the streets of Manchester from the age of 12, has recently released his first EP.
“Where Do We Go From Here” (which includes a track donning the same name) plays homage to his indie idols, whilst putting his own fresh spin on the sound.
It was brilliant to experience his music live. I imagine he is going to be in for a very fun night at his hometown show for the Manchester leg of this tour with Miles Kane (a Liverpool boy) and The Black Keys.
After enough time to grab a drink and get settled back into the crowd, Miles Kane appeared and magically, everything he touched turned to leopard print.
There is no one out there doing it like Miles Kane. He is so unbelievably cool. Charismatic as ever, he tore through a high-energy set that reminded everyone why he’s remained a cult favorite for years.
Tracks like Come Closer and Rearrange had the crowd singing back every word. I really enjoyed how much time each artist had on stage. Having been a fan of Miles Kane since my late teens, the more time we get to see him on stage doing what he loves, the better.
The song lineup didn’t just feel like an opening slot, it felt like it was partly his show in its own rights. That’s a credit to Miles and his band when it comes to sharing stages with fellow artists.
It’s clear that the pairing of Miles Kane and The Black Keys spans further than this show, with Miles at one point treating us to a new song, created in Nashville with the boys.
The audience had been well and truly blessed so far with their starter of Alex Spencer, a main course of Miles Kane but now it was time for some dessert from The Black Keys.
The Black Keys started their set with just the two core members front and centre of the stage. This was a strong way of addressing the audience and making their presence known. After two songs the rest of the ensemble accompanied them on stage. A huge screen towered over them, showing retro style graphics, and even at one point an iconic quote from The Simpsons.
Psychedelic patterns, effortlessly accompanying the sweet Americana sound filling Millennium Square. The band brought the vibe and incredible live performance (kudos to the sound tech managing those levels) but the audience, the fans, they brought the electric atmosphere. Everywhere you looked there was band memorabilia worn with pride.
By the time The Black Keys got fully into their set, the sun had dipped just enough to give the Square a moody, golden glow. An hour and a half of pure rock groove. Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney were effortlessly tight, rolling through hits like Gold on the Ceiling, Howlin’ for You, and finishing the show with the anthemic Lonely Boy. The audience were dancing, singing, and just generally looking way cooler than your average festival audience.
The setting couldn’t have been better. The warm evening air, the stone backdrop of the Civic buildings, overlooked by Leeds’ iconic golden owls….. and for the plane spotters amongst us (guilty) the occasional little peep of holidaymakers on their way to Leeds Bradford airport, unknowingly flying over a summer highlight.
There’s something about live music outdoors that taps into something primal and joyful, and this was one of those gigs that felt like everything aligned.
Sounds of the City, once again, delivered.
Photography by Maddie Armstrong.
