This evening at The Underworld in cool Camden was a double delight. The place was packed with this iconic underground setting so suiting both special guest Troy Redfern and Kris Barras’ British Blues-Rock collective Hollow Souls. The third leg of the trio’s current 20-date UK tour, both artists complemented each other and the overall evening was superb.

Indeed, ramping up the crowd for Hollow Souls was Troy, a well-established artist and guitar powerhouse on the UK Blues scene. Redfern has a rawness to his special brew and brand of Blues Rock that draws you in. Visually his tattooed, rebellious, individualistic appearance, matched by his guitar playing, is arresting. He’s also got those handsome savage super movie star pirate like Depp looks. The ladies, as well as the gents in the audience, also loved his sound, as his hard-edged Blues proceeded to weave its magic spell.

Paul Annis on drums and percussion delivered primordial pounding beats throughout. Raw unfiltered primitive, more than quasi shamanic style, as well as no fancy schmantzy glitzy drum kit. Together this dynamic duo delivered the rawest of authentic Blues Rock. Redfern’s fluent fretwork saw him unleash numbers from his new album 'Retribution', comprising 'Shakin', 'Taken My Soul' and 'Aching Heart'. His set also included 'Native', plus a thumping version of Blind Willie Johnson's 'John The Revelator', of which this Folk/Blues classic's tonality well and truly resonated for me. So magnetic as a performer, Troy closed out with 'Waiting for Love' and 'Sanctify'. Tonight, this brilliant vocalist and guitarist sanctified me with his Rock star style of Blues!

Tonight Kris Barras’ Hollow Souls London debut gig showcased a striking style of Rock cum Blues. As expected, Barras was a great MC, co-vocalist and front man, and very understandably being a former MMA/Cage fighter appeared fit, both physically and mentally with ultra masculinity, honed into his fluent guitar zone throughout their set. Meanwhile, dancing delightfully around the mic stand, turned scarf ridden pole, was Phoebe Jane, who had a superb voice that switched from Rock to the more sweeter numbers.

Complemented by Josiah J Manning enjoying himself on guitar and keys, outstanding bassist Paddy Blight had a ball behind with Chris Tike on drums, delivering a set list which was a rich music veined feast. Featuring all six songs from their recent, excellent, eponymous debut EP, namely 'Borderline', 'Bad Things', their catchy second single 'Shotgun', 'Burn It To The Ground', 'I Need The Fire' and 'Chasing Ghosts', the quintet also threw in some covers for good measure.

Contrary to their excellent take on Ray Charles’ 'I Don’t Need No Doctor', in fact I actually did, as since this gig, Phoebe’s perfect vocal is still running around in my head! Indeed, they continued to entertain with further classics such as Led Zeppelin's 'Rock and Roll', a beautiful version of B.B. King's 'Rock Me Baby', as well as T-Bone Walker's 'Stormy Monday', showcasing Jane’s Jazz infused vocality, proof if needed that the band are versatile and confident in their tight delivery of the old versus the new.

Talking of which, they also included three original Kris Barras Band 'covers', 'Propane', 'My Parade' and finally 'Hail Mary', before closing out with another cover, Freddie King's 'Going Down'. I really enjoyed their set as did the rest of the audience, with at one stage, Troy Redfern also returning to play with them too. Displaying a refreshing range of musicality, this was a great gig experience! Hollow Souls aren’t hollow at all! Make sure you check out their EP and that you catch them on the remainder of their tour. You won't be sorry!

Review, Photos & Video: Denise Lester