Hollow Souls – Hollow Souls EP – EP Review – noblepr

Review By Darren ,McIntyre

Hollow Souls are a new blues – rock super – collective outfit from the brainchild of Kris Barras who was inspired by US Supergroup Supersonic Blues Machine. Hollow Souls were created as a homegrown jam band as a sparring exercise during his downtime, from his humble beginnings in Torquay, Devon to trading licks with the likes of Joe Bonamassa & Billy Gibbons on the world stage Kris has already lived a hundred lives that defy his youth & exuberance. Kris and band brought us new single Shotgun Ft Jon ‘ Marv’ Harvey & Borderline Ft Jared James Nichols and Bad Things Ft Chris Tapp. Hollow Souls are ready to unleash their eponymous EP upon us, please sit back as I run through this blistering 6 track EP that will surely blow our minds.

Borderline – We kick off this absolute banger with a soulful backing vocal that lets the groove flow from the very first note that oozes from this incredible outfit. Pheobe Jane leans in with her powering blues / rock vocals that instantly sets this track on fire as the boys set out their stall and let us know what they are all about, guest guitarist Jared James Nichols sizzles as he drops in and gives the track swagger and attitude as we get the rawness coming from every musician as the groove just wraps itself around us.There is a real sense of a blues tinge rolling through the arrangement as Kris and band really seal the deal with this colossal opener that just leaves us wanting more, we stamp our feet to this real infectious rocker track that will sound awesome live let me tell you.

Bad Things – A funky, punchy rhythm section gets this blues infused rock n roll juggernaut off the ground as the soaring vocals from Chris Tapp ease into the arrangement as the band just hits the ground running. Phoebe lets her incredible vocals flow effortlessly through the arrangement as the boys dig deep and really let this track bring the heat as the crisp guitar riffs really get behind this glorious composition, the funking bassline is dropping meaty grooves all through the track as they wrap themselves around this harmonious number as the lyrics really let you feel the depth that is coming from this cool track. The killer guitar riffs are really holding the track together as the gravelly, full on vocals really give this track a swagger that is what we have come to expect from this heavyweight of the rock n roll world, the cool, mellow backing vocals really give the track a reason to work as they just elevate the piece to another level.

I Need The Fire – A real gritty, crunching guitar riff opens the track as the pounding rhythm section comes at us with a thundering snare drum kick as the heavy bass drum beats let the track breathe. The rasping, rock vocals from Pheobe really give the track an edgy groove as the arrangement builds and builds as the glorious beat wraps itself around us as we feel the heat oozing from this epic piece, a strong, rasping guitar solo oozes mid section and really tells us what this band are all about as they set about their business with a no nonsense approach that is just incredible. The low end is coming through and dropping sweet, dark, delicious grooves that let this track soar and just give it the fire it needs to really rock us to our very core.

Burn It To The Ground – A cool bass kick runs freely through the intro as sweet backing vocals let the track come at us as Elles leans in and unleashes her powerful, raspy vocals that give this track depth and swagger. The full on bassline is coming in with a real groove that just gives this track the energy that it needs as the band just gel together so well as they rock us to our very core with this toe tapping, fist pumping rock n roll juggernaut. The slide guitar licks are just insane as Kris cuts loose and really delivers a fresh, crisp riff that will have us reaching for the repeat button for sure, the addition of the backing vocals really lets this track tell it’s own story as the music just grabs our attention and gives us what we came for – good ol rock n roll musicality, delicious lyrics and killer musicianship that makes this such a winning combination.

Shotgun – From the outset you are getting a real heavy ended gritty, groover track that has depth, swagger and plenty in the tank that just instantly grabs your attention. The soaring, raspy vocals of Jon Harvey instantly set this track on fire as it just kicks in the doors and really gives the track some balls for sure, the killer rhythm section is command ing the room as it pounds away with a real dark, meaty bass kick as the snare drum punches rain down on us as we just kick back and feel the heaviness oozing from this colossal arrangement. The sweet, cool double guitar riffs are shattering the silence as Kris & Josiah really dig deep and show us what they are made of, this is a real gritty, bruising beast that really digs deep and bares it’s teeth as we feel the full force of this epic outfit that just gets better and better with each release. The cool backing vocals adds depth to this epic monster as it builds and builds and it wetting our appetites for the impending EP coming at us real soon.

Chasing Ghosts – We end the EP with a real mellow soulful vocal that settles us into this melodic track that just hits all the right notes as the punchy snare drum punches let the rhythm section control the groove. A nice acoustic strumming tone is flowing effortlessly through the track as the vocals build and unleash a real killer tone that gives this track the energy, emotion that we have come to expect from this fantastic band as they build and build with every track that comes our way. The bassline is again hitting us with real cool, meaty funk grooves that instantly settle into the music as a sweet piano tones come through and give it a real sense of belonging as the guitar licks build and build then bang the doors are kicked clean off as we feel the emotion oozing from this colossal solo as Kris cuts loose and really gives us a track that instantly sticks in our heads with it’s catchy riffs, melodic vocals and killer guitar licks that are just something else.

Hollow Souls –

Pheobe Jane – Vocals

Kris Barras – Guitar / Vocals

Josiah Manning – Guitar / Backing Vocals

Jared James Nichols – Guest Guitar

Jon ‘Marv’ Harvey – Guest Vocals

Elles Bailey – Guest Vocal

Leighton Allen – Bass

Jo Harris – Drums

Track Listing –

Borderline ( Ft Jared James Nichols)

Bad Things (Ft Chris Tapp)