Kano Guardian Review

Originally uploaded by hattiec2.

My review was printed last wednesday I do believe. Here it is.

Kano
Astoria, London
Hattie Collins
4/5

The Brits may have largely ignored Kane Robinson's debut Home Sweet Home, but it is one of last year's finest British albums. A sometimes socially aware, occasionally violent blend of drama, dilemma, arrogance and uncertainty, Kano is as lyrically light-footed as he is sonically diverse; grime, jungle, twostep and 4/4 mingle with a more mainstream mentality of grungy guitars and speeded-up soul samples.
Not only a skilful songwriter and producer, the 20-year-old is an accomplished performer. He saunters on stage brimming with insouciant energy and a pocketbook full of impressive prose. "I'm too deep how can Kano stay underground ... I ain't got punch lines, I got kick lines/ And I ain't commercial, but I got hit lines," he spits over the unrelenting bassline of the DaVinChe-produced P's and Q's. He boasts an almost chameleon-like cadence. Effortlessly altering his delivery, he traverses Typical Me with a deliciously syrupy flow before splattering rapid rhymes over the frenetic Mic Check. Current single Brown Eyes is a reluctant, if not tender dedication to the beginnings of love. "Listen I lo ... I like you," he murmurs hesitantly.

Tonight isn't just about Kano; his adoring audience are an integral part of the experience. Mesmerised by the east London MC and his Team - rappers Ghetto, Demon and Dangermouse - the crowd mosh, jostle, jump and push with an abandonment more often found at a rock concert. "Boy, London is going off," he laughs. "You know the police tried to ban this show? It cost me four grand to do this, but I got love for London." The law may fret and the Brits may consider him worthy only of nomination in the "urban" category, but Kano is one of the brightest talents in British music right now.
· Kano's touring in a town near you right now