Liam Gallagher review – when he does eventually smile, it’s perfect

Koko, London
The reliably aloof ex-Oasis frontman rides the wave of the Britpop revival with an intimate gig that mixes previous favourites and (Oasis-y-sounding) solo anthems – and fuels speculation a few reunion

Liam Gallagher, British rock star, shouldn't be recognized for smiling. Having stared down from levels and out from magazine covers for greater than 30 years, eyeballing all-comers to step outdoors, it’s as though the younger Gallagher brother stays the brooding focus not just for his erstwhile band Oasis – or his personal solo afterlife, now three hit albums robust – but for the entire idea of moody rock stardom itself.

“ROCK’N’ROLL”, declares a shiny silver backdrop – in all capitals, like his tweets. Gallagher’s solo band includes a peak of four guitarists and, sometimes, two drummers, three backing vocalists, alongside keys and bass. It’s an outfit extra suited to demolishing an area than this compact Camden venue, which naturally bought out in seconds.