words: Jim F / pictures: Huw Williams, Jim F
Last Friday night saw a sold-out Octagon Theatre absolutely bouncing as The K’s headlined a blistering triple bill that left Sheffield reeling. Riding a wave of momentum, the Earlestown quartet proved exactly why they’re one of the UK’s most talked-about live bands, delivering a riotous, passionate set that fused raw energy with singalong indie anthems.
Passion Parade opened the evening with something altogether more delicate. The sister duo (augmented by bass and drums for the show) brought a contrasting charm to the bill, offering a blend of folk-flecked, progressive pop that nodded towards All About Eve and Shakespears Sister. While they perhaps weren’t the act this youthful crowd was initially baying for, those who gave them their attention were rewarded with intricate harmonies, rich songwriting ambition, and a refreshing dose of emotional intelligence. They’re definitely ones to watch — even if they felt slightly at odds with the bill.
Next up, CVC from Cardiff were exactly what the growing crowd needed. Their warm, harmony-drenched blend of soft rock, funk, and psychedelic pop brought an instant groove to the room. Think Supertramp meets Tame Impala on a sunny Welsh hillside. With infectious hooks and a relaxed charisma, they pulled the crowd into their orbit with ease — a perfect prelude to the chaos that was to follow.
Then came The K’s, and the temperature in the room rocketed.
Kicking off with the atmospheric “Gravestone” (preceded by an extended “Icarus” intro), the band wasted no time in showing just how far they’ve come. From the anthemic “Chancer” to the heartfelt “Heart on My Sleeve”, the set was a masterclass in big choruses, driving guitars, and unfiltered emotion. Every word was sung back to the stage with almost religious fervour by a crowd that clearly feels they’re part of this band’s story.
A brief pause during “Glass Towns” — prompted by a minor crush in the crowd caused by a dropped phone — was handled with care and class by the band. It’s moments like these that show The K’s aren’t just learning the rock and roll game — they’re writing their own rules, with their fans always front and centre.
The rest of the set was relentless: from the spiralling melodies of “Circles” to the full-throttle stomp of “Black and Blue” and the euphoric, defiant “Hometown”. The finale, “Dacton & Wanderella”, closed the night in an explosion of sweat, noise and sheer joy.
Charismatic, confident, and already radiating the aura of future stadium-fillers, The K’s are the real deal. If they’re not on your radar yet, now’s the time to change that.
