Tyketto / Kane'd - O2 Academy Islington, London (UK) - 12 March 2019

Kane'd seemed a popular choice for support with their unusual structure of Rock band fronted by three vocalists. While some of it seemed a bit self consciously posed, there's no doubt they have good voices. It's an unusual mix including great harmonies, although looking at the three sisters singing I could not help thinking of the Nolans (perhaps showing my age). They each have their own style in appearance, one reminding me of Lzzy Hale, one Fiona and one Stevie Nicks, although the effect musically was more of one of the Goth fronted Rock bands with soprano vocalists which are indeed popular, so they must be doing something right. While the song 'Covered In Roses' was a bit sentimental for me, other parts of the set rocked and were slightly more to my taste.




Tyketto had something special planned tonight in terms of the playing of their second album 'Strength In Numbers' in full, albeit not in track-listing order. The occasion was its 25th Anniversary. Having been rejected by Geffen it was ultimately released by Music For Nations. There's no doubt that the style of the album was different and more diverse than the more popular debut 'Don't Come Easy'. However, the rejection by Geffen heralded a period where the band capitalised on more accepting UK audiences, such that many that attend Tyketto gigs now are long term die-hard fans. As such the audience were entirely having to roll with it and see the band do a completely different set to usual. There's no knocking the band's excellent musicianship, unaided by tapes or any smoke and mirrors.

For those gagging for the more familiar eighties sound they were granted an airing of a rare B-side 'Wait Forever', which was more similar to the 'Don't Come Easy' style. There was, however, a completely unpredictable moment to come as a jazzy style version of 'Wings' was performed with Kane'd. I'm glad I saw it, but I would have preferred to get an additional Heavy Rock version of that much-loved song as an encore as well, as I did miss that particular rendering of that iconic song, in particular Danny Vaughn singing it in a higher register as this night he took a lower part in deference to the higher harmonies sung by the girls.




Yet more diversity was brought by the Rock' n' Roll Americana song 'Ain't That Love', written by Vaughn when he had been aiming to sound like Steve Marriott with additional cowbell for effect, and then the bluesy 'Why Do You Cry'. The variety continued with 'End Of The Summer Days' and 'Write Your Name In The Sky'.

Things got back to a more straightforward rock agenda with the catchy 'Rescue Me' and ultimately some head banging and eighties shredding for 'Strength In Numbers' the title track. This was then reinforced by a great version of Tyketto's most iconic song 'Forever Young', with brilliant vocals from Vaughn whose voice has not lost an ounce of its power or tone, and rockin' keyboards from Ged Rylands.




In keeping with the nostalgic theme of the evening drummer Michael Clayton told amusing stories of sharing a three-bedroom house and being cock blocked by Vaughn who wanted to play a new song he had written, 'The Last Sunset', instead of letting Clayton get laid. To close proceedings matters were brought right up to date with title track 'Reach' from the newest album and with its soaring vocal and blistering guitar those looking for the classic Tyketto sound had the chance to mainline and this was topped off with a nice lyrical, haunting guitar solo.

This was by no means a typical Tyketto gig, however nor was it the slightest bit boring. By doing this set the band changed it up, showed off their musical prowess and made sure the audience will be there next time.

Review and photos by Dawn Osborne