THE COMMONERS + TOM KILLNER - THE OLD BREWERY STORE, FAVERSHAM WEDNESDAY 28TH MAY 2025

Tom Killner is a dream of a support act, a rare instance of a set feeling like it’s over all too quickly. Hearing his music for the first time, it’s hard to believe he’s a Brit; described on his own social media as ‘soul drenched Americana’, the influence from across the pond is clear. ‘Cosmic Sounds’ is a perfect introduction; Killner’s voice has a warm, almost soothing quality, with just enough of a country twang to fool you into believing he’s a real Southern boy - at least until he talks between songs! With his talented band, Killner impresses with laid-back, mesmerising grooves that are at times reminiscent of Lynyrd Skynyrd, at others not too far from Robert Jon and the Wreck - all the good stuff. There’s an infectious camaraderie between the five men on stage, a sense that they really love what they do. They certainly should, as there’s much to be proud of in the gently rumbling ‘Devils Gate’ and the foot-stomping ‘Ride With Me’. 

The Commoners burst onto the stage with ‘Shake You Off’, a song joyfully reminiscent of the Black Crowes in all its hip shaking, strutting glory. These Canadians are quite simply one of the finest live acts tearing up stages at the moment. Blessed with that extra something that makes them special, it’s a charisma that doesn’t come from being great musicians (though they certainly are), a presence that can’t be forced. It’s the little things, the way guitarist Ross Hayes Citrullo lifts his arm above his head whilst dispensing the riffs that drive ‘The Way I Am’ and ‘Who Are You’ or the way Chris Medhurst seems to look you straight in the eyes as he utterly embodies whatever song he’s singing. 

Arguably at their best on the high energy numbers like ‘Gone Without a Warning’ or ‘Devil Teasin’ Me’, the band can do a good ballad too, and sandwich two in the middle of the set. The first, ‘Restless’ is a contemplation of a life spent on the road, the second, ‘See You Again’ full of yearning. It doesn’t take long to rebuild the hard rocking momentum after, and it’s exciting to hear a new song, particularly given that the chorus of ‘Black Gold’ really sticks; the band joke that maybe it won’t make the next album, but I certainly hope that it does. 'Find a Better Way' brings the evening to a close in spectacular fashion, a song that suggests this band had their identity sussed from the very beginning. 

The Commoners may be retro in their presentation and their sound, but there’s a reason music like this stands the test of time. For those (like me) who love a good harmony and some keyboard with their rock, it doesn’t get much better than this. Definitely a band not to be missed.