Concert Review: Hollow Souls at The Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham, West Sussex
Kris Barras made his mark on the music scene back in 2017, catching the attention of many at the Ramblin’ Man festival where he was backing US country singer Caitlin Koch. Despite being in the background, Barras’ impressive guitar skills did not go unnoticed. As his band gained popularity on the blues rock circuit in the UK, I had the pleasure of seeing him perform live, particularly at the 100 Club in London during his rapid rise to stardom. Known for his explosive stage presence, fiery guitar solos, and captivating songs, Barras has evolved over the years, embracing a heavier sound while staying true to his bluesy roots.
Despite his intimidating appearance, Barras’ musical repertoire is eclectic. Beyond his remarkable country guitar riffs, he has also been part of the esteemed blues group, The Supersonic Blues Machine. Adding another layer to his musical endeavors, Barras created the band Hollow Souls, alongside singer Phoebe Jane. Their latest six-track EP features guest performances from artists like Elles Bailey and Chris Tapp from the Cold Stares, and they are currently on a multi-date tour across the UK.
Attending one of their tour stops on the south coast, I arrived amidst stormy weather, seeking refuge at the venue. The band’s performance was exactly what was needed to lift spirits on such a dreary night. Despite joking about playing their few original songs twice, the band treated the audience to a dynamic set that included hits like ‘Hail Mary’ and ‘Propane’ from their previous album, along with classic blues and rock tunes, in addition to their new tracks.
Kicking off with the new song ‘Borderline’, the evening was set aglow by the enthralling low-end riff from Barras and Manning’s guitars, accompanied by a powerful chorus sung with fervor by Phoebe Jane and Kris Barras. Their rendition of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Rock and Roll’ maintained the energy of the opener, captivating the audience with each note. As Barras introduced the band’s bluesy side, ‘Tearing Me Apart’ from the Lucky Thirteen album and a soulful rendition of ‘Stormy Monday’ showcased the band’s versatility and Phoebe Jane’s vocal prowess.
The new tracks like ‘Burn It To The Ground’ and ‘Borderline’ resonated well with the audience, hinting at future live classics. Barras has a talent for crafting rock anthems that strike a chord with listeners instantly. Closing the set with rousing performances of ‘My Parade’ and ‘Hail Mary’, featuring sing-alongs from the crowd, the band left us buzzing before returning for a lively encore with guest artist Troy Redfern. While the Hollow Souls may not be reinventing rock n’ roll, their infectious energy and standout performances make them a band worth experiencing live.