HOLLOW SOULS @ THE UNDERWORLD |18TH OCTOBER 2025
- James Nash
- Oct 23, 2025
- 3 min read
Hollow Souls showcased a masterclass in blues-rock at The Underworld, Camden, on Saturday night. The brand new project from guitar virtuoso Kris Barras and producer Josiah J. Manning has put a bold red stamp on the British rock scene as they get set to take the industry by storm. Hollow Souls live is one you need to experience for yourself, and for me, this was the gig of the year.
Night three of the 20-date roadshow, launching their self-titled EP to a ravenous London crowd of die-hard Kris’ Barras Band (KBB) fanatics and eager punters alike, fans had travelled as far as The Netherlands to witness this impressive debut live and in person, one that added yet another staple of rock history to this iconic venue.
The face-meling slide guitar of award-winning Troy Redfern kickstarted the night. An established heavyweight in the grassroots blues scene, Redfern has blazed the international festival circuit, and has toured the UK with fan favourites Robert Jon & The Wreck, The Quireboys, and The Sweet, as well as co-headline shows with Canadian rockers The Commoners. Accompanied by drummer and percussionist Paul Annis, the duo’s connection was effortless as they played tracks from their new EP. With the rawness that only a capacity basement venue could evoke, Troy Redfern has preserved some of that by producing his EP as a 300-piece limited run of physical CDs - keeping it off streaming platforms. Big props.
Troy Redfern - Set List
Shakin’
Taken My Soul
Native
Aching Heart
John The Revelator
Waiting For Your
Sanctify
As a KBB fan, the first London show for Hollow Souls had been a tentpole event in my calendar, and boy did they deliver.
Starting with Borderline, track one of the self-titled EP, the collective tore the bar out and set it high, high up. This opener was testament to what Hollow Souls have ignited. Kris Barras scorched the strings of his Fender Telecaster with the ripping solo that Borderline packs, before Pheobe Jane’s summoning screams transitioned into a cover of Led Zepplin’s Rock n Roll.
Debuting all six tracks, Barras and Jane took the place of the studded EP guests. With Jared James Nichols, Chris Tapp (The Cold Stares), Elles Bailey, and Jon Harvey (Monster Truck) scattered across the world on tour, this was no surprise. However, an unexpected appearance was Danny Dela Cruz of Inglorious, and recent wider fame, stepping in to jam on a couple of songs. Cruz recently played for the Cleveland Browns' entry onto the field at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the NFL London Games earlier this month.
Amongst the fire-forging shredding and explosive beats, it was the moments of deep emotion and heart-on-a-sleeve playing that really put into perspective the possibilities of Hollow Souls. Sprinkled throughout the set were breakdowns where Barras turned the spotlight onto each musician. Whether it was Josiah J. Manning on the keys or Chris Tilke on the drums, each artist made their instrument sing without words. Trading phrases, Jane’s vocal range shone as she mimicked the cries of Barras’ guitar.
With only six tracks to Hollow Souls arsenal, the die-hard KBB fans were treated to blues renditions of fan-picked songs from Barras’ back-catalogue, to which he likened as covers of his own songs. Tracks like Propane, My Parade, and Hail Mary, were all dialled back, infused with the soul and groove of the blues. If only this was a KBB b-side…
The night culminated in a blues-ball with Redfern and Cruz welcomed back to the stage, as they jammed to Gon’ Down, for what was a core-memory of a close to the show.
Hollow Souls – Set List
Borderline
Rock and Roll
Bad Things
I Don’t Need No Doctor
Tearing Me Apart
Rock Me Baby
Shotgun
Propane
Stormy Monday
Burn It To The Ground
I Need The Fire
Chasing Ghosts
My Parade
Hail Mary
Gon’ Down
Hollow Souls are:
Vocals - Phoebe Jane
Guitar/Vocals - Kris Barras
Keys/Guitar - Josiah J. Manning
Bass - Paddy Blight
Drums - Chris Tilke
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