Review: The Answer & Kira Mac – Islington Assembly Hall

Islington Assembly Hall (November 16^th 2023)

Reviewer / Photographer: Manuela Langotsch

It was my first time at this venue and my first time seeing both acts. I know, where have I been and don’t crawl back under that rock.

I’ve been told by my reliable sources that both bands are known for putting on great shows, so I couldn’t wait for the evening to start.

First off, female fronted Kira Mac took to the stage – a musical collective made up – they proudly proclaim – of misfits from different corners of the country. An opening act’s job is to get the audience warmed up and ready for the main act. And boy did they do just that. You could be forgiven for thinking you are watching a main act. Lots of confidence and the sheer force that this band brought to the stage, knocked us all to the ground (only metaphorically!). The energy level and the wind machine were at full power and the crowd loved it. Front woman Kira and her charming North England accent was not shy talking to the audience with her funny anecdotes in between songs.

There was material from the album ‘Chaos Is Calling’ plus their new single ‘Scorned’ which delighted everyone. Great Blues Rock songs that showed off their creative song-writing. Just a shame that their set wasn’t longer. Definitely a band to watch out for in the future. They will tour the UK next year again and judging by the reception they got, it will no doubt be a successful tour.

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After a 30mins change over, it was time for the Northern Irish guys The Answer to show us what they are made of. Their website URL reads ‘theanswerrock.com’ and they certainly do. Frontman Cormac Neeson – ‘charisma on legs’ – most definitely knows what it takes to be the lead singer of a rock band. Years of practice touring the world opening for none other than The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Paul Rodgers and AC/DC to name a few, of course.

Formed in 2000 and after 6 albums they decided to take a 5 year break in 2017. They returned in 2022 and announced the following year a new tour, the new album ‘Sundowners’ and the current new single ‘Wild Heart’.

The excitement of being on stage again was obvious to see. They seem to really enjoy being back in each other’s company and writing and touring together again. It is a joy to witness that.

The set list featured songs from their current album of course but also from the previous ones. It was a good mixture of old and new material and playing the fans’ favourites is always a crowd pleaser.

The eagle eyed amongst the audience spotted a new addition on stage, which came in the shape of Cara Bruns. She joined them on keyboards (for their UK November and December shows) and whilst she appeared quiet in the background, it was clear to everyone she added some great sounds to the set list.

Paul Mahon on guitar, Micky Waters on bass and James Heatley on drums – highly talented rock musicians – added harmonies and of course various solos throughout the show. The chemistry between the whole band didn’t go unnoticed and the audience wanted more even after the encore which included an Irish Traditional song called ‘Here’s A Health To The Company‘ which Cormac Neeson performed by himself.

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All in all a fantastic evening filled with good old fashioned hard rock music!  What’s not to like?

Set list – Kira Mac

Save Your Whiskey

Dead Man Walking

Chaos Is Calling

Body

Scorned

Mississippi Swingin’

Farewell

Climbing

One Way Ticket

Set list – The Answer

Blood Brother

Nowhere Freeway

New Horizon

Under the Sky

Sundowners

Keep Believin’

Want you to Love me

Comfort zone

Solas

Spectacular

Wild Heart

Come follow me

Livin’ on the Line

Preachin’

Encore:

Always Alright

Here’s a Health to Company

Demon Eyes

Photographs © Manuela Langotsch