Kano @1Xtra Exclusive Gig

Wednesday saw the overdue return of Kano to the Big Smoke for an exclusive 1Xtra gig. Having laid low over the past year KA recently unleashed his new mixtape (titled, er, The Mixtape) - suggesting that he has raised the levels for emcees even further on his forthcoming album ('London Town').

It was the first time Kano performed live with his band, but nevertheless he aired the confidence of a seasoned front man. The first 3-4 tracks with the band were water-tight, imaginative and playful - including a brilliant live take on the Don Corleone (ft Vybz Kartel) production 'Buss It Up'. Props to the band. The new track with Damon albarn is siiick.

Swaggering through an array of big hits and fresh material Kane Robinson displayed versatile flows and stage presence that should crossover well in his live band incarnation. There were inevitably small flaws, such as the incongruous switch between band (live) and DJ Bionix (PA). Minor tings aside, it looks set to be another big summer for London's finest.