High-Octane Blues Rock Heats Up Norwich Waterfront
Sunday night crowds can sometimes be reserved, but the audience at the Waterfront Studio in Norwich on October 26th arrived ready for a serious dose of raw, high-gain energy. What they got was a masterclass in modern blues-rock power, anchored by the collaborative spirit of Hollow Souls and the explosive minimalism of Troy Redfern.
Redfern’s Two-Piece Wall of Sound
Troy Redfern and his drummer took the stage first, delivering their signature brand of blues-soaked rock with a formidable two-piece setup. There was a slight technical hitch early on, leaving the sound a little wobbly out of the gate, but the veteran presence quickly took command. Once Redfern’s slide guitar tone settled in, it was a relentless, sonic barrage. He doesn’t need a massive band to fill a room; he builds a genuine wall of sound, with his guitar performing the duty of rhythm, lead, and sometimes even the bass. It was a fiercely impressive set that quickly ignited the decent sized crowd, perfectly setting the stage for the headliners.
Hollow Souls: From Studio Cut to Jam Band
Hollow Souls, led by the dynamic presence of Kris Barras, arrived on stage riding the critical wave of their recent EP. While the tight studio cuts from the Hollow Souls EP provided the framework, it became immediately clear that this collective is truly operating as a jam band live. Beyond the familiar structure of tracks like Shotgun or Bad Things, the band’s deeper tracks and sheer chemistry allowed them ample room to breathe and stretch out.
This is where their true power resides. Tracks turned into improvisational showcases, giving every member a chance to display their considerable musical talents. The rhythm section, anchored by the bass and drums, provided a rock-solid foundation, allowing Barras and the soaring vocals of Phoebe Jane to drive the emotional current. It was a visceral reminder of what happens when highly skilled musicians prioritize connection over precision—the performance became raw, immediate, and utterly captivating.
The Duel and the Domino Effect
To close out a fantastic evening, Troy Redfern returned to the stage to join Hollow Souls for a powerful encore. This highly anticipated collaboration immediately paid off. With the rest of the band locked into a colossal groove, Kris Barras and Troy Redfern traded furious, plectrum-melting guitar solos. The energy in the room peaked as the two guitarists engaged in a genuine, high-stakes duel, feeding of each other’s energy and pushing the song to a fever pitch. It was a brilliant way to close out a Sunday night in Norwich: a spontaneous, raw display of mutual respect and rock and roll fire that ensured the crowd left buzzing. Both acts
Photos from Chesterfield.
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Hollow Souls & Troy Redfern Ignite Norwich with a Blues-Rock Inferno @RockNews
