WHITE MILES

Walking in to the largest of Manchester’s Academy venues at first the turn out seemed disappointing, not even quarter full, it just didn’t seem right. Medina and Lofi of White Miles came on to the stage completely unaffected by the turn out so far and played an outstanding set of self-admitted “dirty pole dancer stoner blues rock” which received a great reception from the audience stood at the front. For a two piece they made rock and roll come alive on the stage; highly energetic, great sound and they interacted with the crowd, being so personable it was hard not to fall a little bit in love with them. Listening to White Miles beforehand on recording I could not have expected to see a show like that; the clashing chords and Medina’s vocals were far more brutal live and Lofi’s drum technique was exciting to watch. The band played a solid forty five minutes set before heading out to chat with people on their merchandise stand as the venue filled for the headlining act. They put on a show full of professionalism and raw passion, and they’re a band that know how to interact with audiences and fans. If they continue to put on shows like this they’re going to win a lot of fans on this tour, and deservedly so. - get your rock out - Holly Williamson

Fellow Austrians – although they’ll lead you to believe that they’re from Madagascar for some unknown reason – White Miles pick up where Witchrider left of, albeit to a much fuller room. A two piece consisting of guitarist/vocalist Medina Rekic and drummer Hansjörg Loferer, they come bursting from the seams with an unbridled energy surpassing that of a birthday party of sugar-addled children. Medina launches herself across the stage, wrestling with her Telecaster as if it was trying to kill her. Hansjörg meanwhile pummelled the living crap out of his kit.

Sonically they were raw and unkempt. Feedback, a dirty tone and the harshness of the vocals only added themselves admirably to the chaos of it all. It was like getting attacked by sandpaper, it was rough and it really fucking hurt, but in a sadistic way you bloody loved it. - Phil Weller - the sludgelord

Kicking off the proceedings with their latest single Fake Smiles, Madagascan duo White Miles – who describe their music as ‘dirty pole dance stoner blues rock’ – seem the perfect pair to open for Courtney Love. Singer Medina Rekic brings all the attitude a kick-ass female in rock needs, sporting a bra and sleeveless denim jacket. Belting out the lyrics while rocking out with her guitar it seems White Miles have definitely found some new followers in tonight’s audience, as they receive a loud reception song after song. For just a two piece Medina and drummer Lofi know how to make some noise and warm a crowd up. - Jemma Dodd