Milow’s live shows are a well-oiled machine from start to finish, especially after nearly two decades of international touring, but despite playing with the same musicians and clocking hundreds shows over the years, the gig still feels truly authentic and fun.
Support is provided by Canadian singer-songwriter AHI, who impresses listeners with his signature raspy voice and honest songcraft. AHI got invited to open for Milow in Europe after the latter discovered him on Spotify, and reached out through a direct message on Instagram. The two became good friends, and this has opened more international doors for AHI across the pond.
By the end of the Canadian’s set the venue is nicely filled up with an attentive audience and plenty of interaction, but the chatter in the back by some people who disregard any support act is super distracting.
What better way to launch into the main act’s set than by playing two acoustic songs from anywhere but the stage?
As the lights go down a spotlight illuminates the back of the venue. Confused heads turn to find Milow, his guitarist Tom and singer Nina launching into two ballads on the stairs of the den Atelier balcony, all with one microphone, before making their way back onto the stage where the band is completed by Victor on bass and Mario on drums. A great intimate entry to break the ice.
The singer-songwriter is presenting his post-pandemic album “Nice To Meet You”, which, even after all these years, is what the connection to his audience still feels like after these tumultuous times. Inspired by the beauties of family and fatherhood, but also grief (Milow lost his long-time drummer Oscar to cancer in 2021), Milow’s latest album is thoughtful and reflective.
But the key signature ingredient of catchy melodies remains at the forefront, accompanying slow-tempo ballads as well as upbeat songs - and the audience knows all the lyrics. “Ayo Technology”, Milow’s big breakthrough cover version, sees the stage engulfed in sensual red. “ASAP”, “Whatever It Takes” and “How Love Works” are all from his latest album, but (in part thanks to heavy radio rotation) all sound warmly familiar.
There’s no problem in getting the crowd to shuffle along, especially at the end of a public holiday marking Europe Day. The music fits within the frame of easy-listening singer-songwriter pop and that’s just the right mood and fit for this crowd.
Sideman Tom and sidewoman Nina are two incredible artists in their own right. Each receiving their own moments to shine is great to see - shout-out to Milow for making them such an integral part of the show - and lifts the performance to another level. As always, Milow is relaxed and interactive, juggling several languages and making everyone feel at ease.
The show ends with another round of acoustic performances around a single microphone, with AHI making another appearance on stage, as well as tour manager Felix (who could always take the role as backing vocalist should Tom or Nina drop out).
A relaxed show that smartly played with different dynamics on and off stage to keep the audience engaged, a great team of loyal musicians, and a strong catalogue of pop songs that simply cannot be avoided when turning on FM radio.
