Kris Barras (supported by Wille and the Bandits) - Fleece, Bristol, 13/10/19

UK guitarist Kris Barras has, in his own words, only taken music seriously in the last four years, choosing to follow a career in martial arts before. But what a following he's built in recent times, proven by the full house at the Fleece in Bristol tonight.

Cornish rockers Wille and the Bandits are up first in support and really heat things up. Literally, the air is moist. Starting with Victim of the Night - a chance to showcase some fine Hammond bashing, things slip easily into their usual gravelly rock laced with funk, jazz and blues. Wille, aside from his gritty voice, is making his Gibson the star of the show in Make Love and the Planet Rock playlisted Four Million Days is an emotional moment. Obviously happy to be in the West Country, the likeable Cornishmen mix stories of how it "gets a bit grim on the pasty front the further north you get."

Kris starts with already classic among fans Light it Up - an instant crowd pleaser. Donning his NWOCR t-shirt, he's flying the flag and in good company. The bands' style is a unique mix of soulful harmony, danceable '80's vibes and upbeat melodic storytelling, with blues, country and classic rock - it works so well live. There's cowbell, dry ice, maybe some lyrics when the venues get a bit bigger?

During Rock 'n' Roll Running Through My Veins there are female fans jumping with abandon alongside their unassuming partners who are fixated on the technicalities of the fret frenzies taking place. 

New single What You Get has the crowd joining in eagerly, as do other established tracks I'm Gone and Hail Mary.

Getting the crowd going comes easily to Kris, but there's a tension behind the eye that means business - he's eager to please. Looking around the room he's got absolutely nothing to worry about.