“A Storm of Sound: Mirador Ignite Gorilla, Manchester”

Gig Review by Paul McWilliams – Jace Media Music

Manchester was drenched, the kind of relentless, sideways rain that soaks through your jacket and chills your bones. But as fans hustled through the wet streets toward Gorilla, there was a crackle in the air that no weather could dampen. Inside this beloved industrial den — with its exposed brick, low ceiling, and stage so close you can feel the heat radiating from the monitors — a different kind of storm was waiting to break.

Tonight wasn’t just another night on the touring circuit. This was the arrival of Mirador. And Manchester was more than ready. As the house lights dimmed, a roar lifted from the crowd, dense and eager. The moment Mirador stepped out, the shift in the room was immediate — that unmistakable prickle up the spine when you know something thrilling is about to happen.

Jake Kiszka and Will Turpin wasted zero time. They launched into their set with a confidence that comes only from musicians who live inside their craft. The trade-off between them was magnetic: one moment Kiszka was a spitfire, shredding his way through a blues-drenched lead, and the next Turpin was driving home a vocal run with gritty intensity. Their twin-guitar dynamic wasn’t just impressive—it was borderline hypnotic, channelling gritty Delta roots one minute and erupting into full-throttle, arena-ready rock the next.

Anchoring that wild energy was a rhythm section that deserves every ounce of praise. Nick Pini on bass laid down thick, warm, melodic lines that kept the foundation strong while still moving with the music. Behind him, Mikey Sorbello attacked the kit with precision and passion, steering every song forward with relentless energy. Their chemistry allowed Kiszka and Turpin to let loose — and they really did let loose.

Every solo soared higher, every riff hit harder, and every transition felt effortless. This was a band playing with heart, hunger, and the joy of creation. From the first note, Manchester made itself heard. The crowd didn’t just react — they erupted. It’s rare to see such instant connection, but tonight, it felt like everyone in the room had arrived fully charged. What stood out most was how deeply the fans already knew the material. Voices rose in unison for every lyric, hands shot into the air for every instrumental break, and when the first massive guitar run tore through the room, the pit surged with pure adrenaline.

Gorilla is an intimate venue by design — but tonight, it felt monumental. The walls pulsed. The floor shook. The band fed on the energy like oxygen, pushing themselves into even more ferocious territory. Faster. Louder. More unrestrained. At times it felt like the whole room was teetering on the edge of total sonic explosion, and everyone — band and crowd alike — was revelling in the chaos.

There were moments, brief but powerful, where the room fell almost silent for a breath… only for the next riff to rip the place open all over again. That ebb and flow, that communal high — it’s what live music is all about. And Mirador delivered it without hesitation.

Outside, Manchester was drowning in rain. Inside, Mirador created their own storm — one built on blistering guitars, soulful blues roots, pounding rhythms, and a connection with the crowd that felt immediate and electric.This was a night where a side project stepped fully into its own spotlight. A night where a packed room witnessed a band carving out their identity with confidence and fire. A night that will sit with those who were there for a long time to come.

If you had a ticket, you walked out soaked from the weather but absolutely buzzing from the music.
If you didn’t — fix that now. There are other dates left, and you will not be disappointed.

Mirador blew the roof off Gorilla.
And if this show is any indication, they’re just getting started.