Miles Kane, ‘Baggio’ – Single Review ★★★★☆

‘Baggio’ by Miles Kane – Single Rating: 4/5 ★★★★☆

Miles Kane has been mainstay on the guitar based indie scene for nearly 20 years now. It’s quite hard to believe that his debut album as one half of the The Last Shadow Puppets, a duet act formed with Artic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner came out in 2008. ‘The Age of the Understatement’ celebrated its 15^th year release anniversary last month, but fast forward on fifteen years, we are now talking about Miles Kane’s second single release ‘Baggio’, off his latest album ‘One Man Band’ released on August 4^th. This will be Kane’s fifth solo LP, and based on all the evidence so far, it’s going to sound epic.

‘Baggio’ is an up-tempo number. It features glorious bass lines accompanying heavy layered acoustic guitars reminiscent of The Coral. Also, guitar riffs in the style of Richard Hawley and Pulp. Plus, wall of sound-esque backing vocals that hark back to an early noughties Doves vibe. Kane’s vocals style will remind you of Jake Bugg, while the middle eight takes you back to a sound similar to Glasvegas debut album. The vocal melody is a close resemblance to Don McLean’s ‘Vincent’. But, overall it’s a superb and jangly listen with some lovely subtle guitar licks making an appearance throughout.

Robert Baggio

‘Baggio’ is an ode to Robert Baggio, arguably Italy’s greatest ever footballer, at his peak of his powers.

It’s quite obvious listening to the lyrics the Kane has for Roberto. ‘Baggio, you’re showing me the way to go, when I am feeling lost and low, I used to watch you steal the show’ he sings.

The song is a lovely touch as by the sounds of things the footballer really influenced Miles Kane from an early age. Moreover, he explains ‘It was the first time I’d seen a man look so different and unique. Seeing Baggio led me to be obsessed with that Italian football team many years later. They made me want to grow my hair, and I think that was the start of getting obsessed with clothes, fashion and all things Italian. It was the start of me wanting to grow into who I am today’.

Miles Kane hits the road at the beginning of August in the UK in support of ‘One Man Band’. Based on hearing ‘Baggio’, you would be mad not to catch him live.

You can take a listen below.