A few years ago, The Electric Boys released an album called “…And Them Boys Done Swang” – and, to be fair, they might as well have been talking about the debut EP from The Hollow Souls.
“Borderline” is an absolutely glorious opener. The star of the show is singer Phoebe Jane – and that’s saying something when you consider that Jared James Nichols and Kris Barras also appear on the track. But the former Kris Barras Band backing singer is outstanding here.
For those who’ve only discovered Barras in recent years, some catching up may be required. He was once a hot young bluesman, and while his more recent material – though always excellent – has leaned towards US arena rock, this record feels like him reclaiming his crown.
The studio band of drummer Joe Harris (Toby Lee / Lack of Afro) and bassist Leighton Allen (Callum Scott / The Hoosiers) proves to be greater than the sum of its parts, laying the foundation for something truly special.
And then there are the guest spots. Chris Tapp of the mighty Cold Stares meshes brilliantly with Phoebe on “Bad Things,” while Elles Bailey vamps it up as only Elles can on the arguable highlight “Burn It To The Ground.” Jon “Marv” Harvey of Monster Truck brings a barely contained fury to the stunning “Shotgun.”
The remaining two tracks may not have guests, but they’re just as strong. “I Need The Fire” has a classic rock stomp and a hook that could level arenas. And then there’s the gorgeous ballad “Chasing Ghosts,” the only track with Barras on lead vocals. When he sings, “I pretend I am ok, and my heart shatters in two,” his fragility is palpable, yet there’s also a strength that suggests he’ll overcome. It feels like a song he needed to make, not just wanted to.
MV has a long history with Kris Barras. We’d only just started the site 11 years ago when we saw him open for Stevie Nimmo, and soon after he emailed asking us to review his debut album. He’s come a long way since then, but “Hollow Souls” feels like a landmark statement.
He’s poured his heart and soul into these six songs – and you know what? It might just be the best thing he’s ever done.
Rating: 10/10
Hollow Souls eponymous debut EP is released October 10th. Hollow Souls tour the UK
from October 16th – November 9th. EP and tickets available at www.hollowsouls.co.uk
