THE K’S RESTORE FAITH IN INDIE WITH SPECIAL BRITS WEEK PERFORMANCE

LIVE REVIEW | THE K’S w/ Florentenes | GORILLA, MANCHESTER | 20th February 2026 by Gracie Erskine

The makings of a good band are dependent on a variety of things; but particularly in the indie world, the ‘lemon haze’ of polos and bucket hats can often blur these makings. The K’s performance at Manchester‘s Gorilla on Friday defined strength not only in themselves, but magnitude in the magnolia flooding, four-piece churning scene. 

The K’s have ascended over the last couple of years, bouncing back from their debut album with their sophomore release Pretty On The Internet, relentlessly touring and assembling the so called ‘K’s Army’ along the way. Their inclusion within the Brits Week for War Child series of shows evidences their demand, with a sold-out raucous ready Friday night in Manchester sustaining the band’s hype, all in the name of a good cause. The K’s are sandwiched between a star-studded lineup of shows, from rising star Olivia Dean to nation favourite Robbie Williams, uniting to raise money for the crucial work War Child do to protect and aid children affected by war.

In a sweaty venue of superfans on a Friday night, the crowd didn’t need much warming up – but down the road Bolton four-piece Florentenes made their efforts. Slight genre chameleons that darted heavier grunge inspired tracks whilst feeding through more pop-esque catchy hooks. Leather jackets a go and a good head of hair through the lot, they certainly looked the part, bringing a hefty tasting of energy to serve. 

Thus came the arrival of The K’s, alongside the most cathartic choir of applause from the crowd. Unity and support catalyst the evening, from the shopfloor spread of merch fashioned by fans, to the ‘Viva La K’s’ sunglasses adorned on various heads. The sheer thundering of reaction to the dimming lights mimics that of an international popstar appearance. 

As the band burst through their opener ‘Before I Hit The Floor’, fan favourite ‘Chancer’ follows; wrapping its arms around the fans, whilst they throw theirs up. The K’s have managed to fill the long-awaited gape of a hole in indie. Whilst it may be fuelled on the remnant fragments of hooliganism inspired from the noughties, it’s refreshing nonetheless to see the community constructed through their music.

Whilst only holding two albums under their belt, the 12 song set is a tapas spread of the band’s skill. Mediating the chaos with torch raising, shoulder surfing ballads such as ‘Hoping Maybe’ and ‘Helen Oh I’, the bands have wide-eyed fans in awe. Dispersed between tracks and a couple technical issues are the wavering chants for ‘Sarajevo’ which ultimately closes the set. The tracks audience led hooks and racing leads fire hurling surges through the crowd, rapid dips into the pit and the only kind of bedlam you would ever welcome.

Friday night proved a testament to prosperity within the genre, reminding that sometimes you can just put your faith in four lads and a couple of cans for an hour. Moreover, the gig signified just one example of the power of music when holding hands with crucial charities such as War Child.

BRITs Week 26, delivered by DHL for War Child, continues this week with appearances from the likes of Myles Smith and Josh Baker and remaining tickets for all shows can be found https://britsweekwarchild.co.uk