Shortly before hitting the stage at KK’s Steel Mill on this concluding date, Kira Mac took to social media to post a defiant message to all the doubters and naysayers but expressed her genuine gratitude to all those who have supported, assisted and maintained belief. It is a testament to those endeavours that a fully independent band has successfully completed such an extensive tour.
Kira Mac
KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton – 3 October 2025
Words: Sophie James
Photography: John Inglis
Friday’s appearance in Wolverhampton was the culmination of those dozen dates across the mainland for this new four-piece line-up. In addition to Kira Mac, the band comprises long-term wingman Joe Worrall on guitar, with the new blood of Vern Whitmore on bass and the youthful Loz Riley, in the corner, on the drums.
While their sound could be simply described as pummelling, there is a subtle but fundamental country-style swing that permeates so appetisingly through the music. So much so that it would not be a stretch to categorise this as Very, Very Heavy Country.
Coincidentally, the evening after, I was viewing a captivating documentary highlighting the New Outlaws Of Country, which got me contemplating just how successful Kira Mac might be if they were based out of Nashville. But I digress.
In all likelihood, the majority present had not viewed that earnest post, but as she strolled casually onto the stage, radiating an aura of serene assurance, she was met with the sincerest greeting.
They commenced with the deep grind of Climbing. Upon my last sighting and reporting of the band in Chester (review here), I described this as “Just what you imagine an angry song to be like, with caustic lyrics and frenetic delivery”. Considering the band’s recent experiences, it is unsurprising that this cathartic release provides such a vigorous opener.
“It’s Friday Night, are you ready for a PAAARTTAAAAY?”
The familiar strains of Dead Man Walking followed. From my recollections, this appeared less hurried, which accentuated the potency of the riff out of which Joe’s solo positively soared.
The sassy groove of No Way Out and Chaos Is Calling made a swaggering coupling, the latter being propelled so fluidly by Vern’s resonating bass.
“This was our first single. This was our first National Radio Airplay.”
One Way Ticket was the song that turned so many onto the band, myself included. A cause for a celebration as the level of shuffling in the audience increased together with the faint strains of vocal accompaniment audible beneath the intense mix.
“We promised you some new songs, but more on that later.”
An ethereal intro yielded to the choppy effects laden riff of Monster.
It is difficult to catch the majority of the lyrics hearing a new song live for the first time, but it appeared to be an account of battling inner demons when one considers the line “Monster inside of your head.”
Addressing the audience, in part referencing her above post, Kira Mac went on to explain that there was a Limited Edition 5-Track EP available at the merch. Its contents will not be available on streaming or on next year’s sophomore album.
Next up however was another of her most familiar numbers in Hit Me Again, which did exactly what it says on the tin. Again the bass is reverberating around the venue as Kira rejoices in delivering the punchline.
“This next number has had 1.2 million streams. If that was record sales, we’d be millionaires!”
This time next year, eh? Further adding “A song women sing along with but men can relate to.”
WRT my previous namechecking of Nashville, nothing else in her catalogue has the outrageously Country virulence of Scorned and when it is combined with an opening howl reminiscent of Zeppers, its impact is instant.
The mix gave it such a low-end groove, and how could one not holler along to such lines as “Like lightnin’ in a hurricane”, “I can take you to a place that only God knows” as well as that titular refrain.
After a swift “Happy Birthday to Hazel,” but alas no singalong, my notes described Save Your Whiskey as ‘Discordant Country’, in a fuzzy, yet heavyweight sense, with Joe bursting out of the opacity to deliver his most rousing solo yet.
The swagger of Play The Game is buoyed by the scything guitar and that inescapable compelling bass. What a find ‘Big’ Vern is.
“We’ve had a shit 18 months and got caught up in a lot of things but we keep coming back like cockroaches. The music industry tells us to fuck off but we keep coming back.”
Such challenges provided the ideal inspiration for Comeback Better, with its ominous tolling riff, while set closer Haunt Me bursts out of its contained chiming verse.
“We’re not going to do the fake encore bit, so that gives us more time to chat and sign. Here are four songs to lose your mind to. Who’s had a shit week at work? – What four people?”
Following further interaction another newbie Demons proved to be the swiftest of the evening. I immediately succumbed to its infectious effervescence.
“This is my most favourite one, so you definitely have to dance to this.”
Like its predecessor, Go 4 Blood was most rapid, and I was struck by Loz’s intricate drumming, particularly his double-tapping of the front toms.
Most recent release Try has a more symphonically contemporary feel, its staccato riff contributing to a hugely pulverising sound compared to its studio counterpart. And so to the appropriately titled Farewell. While one may have expected a deceleration, this maintained that spirited groove.
Bringing the Defiant Tour to a close, this was a celebratory performance and testament to the band’s indefatigability as well as the devotion of the fanbase.
Kira Mac’s voice was clear and unwavering throughout, while the boys have gelled into a most cohesive unit. With sterling support from Straight For The Sun and Europa Reign – more on them to follow – the event showcased three flawless bands, at the top of their game, providing a most entertaining evening.
Ten of the 16 tracks performed were unreleased, illustrating the belief in the quality and appeal of the new material. These certainly whet the appetite for the forthcoming long player. I for one cannot wait.
By the way “Sorry Dad, I swore a lot”.
Kira Mac – Setlist
Climbing *
Dead Man Walking
No Way Out *
Chaos Is Calling
One Way Ticket
Monster *
Hit Me Again
Scorned
Save Your Whiskey *
Play the Game *
Comeback Better *
Haunt Me *
Demons *
Go 4 Blood *
Try
Farewell *
- Unreleased
