Kris Barras Band

They have certainly taken off in the UK Curby over the last year. Now doing headline instead of support. I have seen them twice and can honestly say they are great on stage.

Brilliant band two excellent CD's

Acoustic set with Beth Hart on her UK tour  was very well received

Newcastle Riverside  13/2/2023

Well, had a wander down to the Quayside last night; whoever said "Rockin' Out" was just for the week-end hasn't been there when Kris Barras and the band roll into town/Toon. They were off the scale.

Things kicked off with Irish trio Dea Matrona; led by sisters Mollie McGinn and Mamie McGinn; so already we're drawing comparisons with Larkin Poe. Well, these girls have a mostly heavier sound, though not quite up to Girl School level. However, in a lively set which saw the girls swapping lead and bass they weren't scared to show a softer, acoustic side with a tasty Simon & Garfunkel cover, Homeward Bound. (Word has them coming back on their own headline tour later in the year.)

And then, the main event exploded onto the stage, and Kris took the show by the scruff of it's neck and played with all the self-assurance of a 5 year old in a Batman t-shirt. The blues- side may have shrank back, but Kris has built a catalogue of solid, rock anthems, and the soulful melody when he backs off the loud pedal.

The set, went right through Kris' back-catalogue; Watching Over Me still is the high spot for his guitar technique, before ramping back up with a rousing Rock and Roll cover. The went: - Hail Mary: Dead Horses: These Voices: Heart on Your Sleeve: Wake Me When It's Over: Hostage: Chaos: Devil You Know: Watching Over Me: Rock N Roll: Who Needs Enemies: My Parade. Have to say, the band were on fire too, not just because at one time Kris jumped in among the audience while delivering vocals.

End of night verdict - this was certainly Kris' parade, and there was no rain anywhere near. Just hadn't realised how long it had been since last caught one of Kris's shows; covid notwithstanding.

EDIT: - bit of a mix-up re Dea Matrona; on stage were Mollie McGinn & Orlaith Forsythe; Mamie is taking time out from the band to complete studies. (Wondered why the drummer was called "Dave"...)