KRIS BARRAS BAND
Halo Effect (Earache)
Having witnessed Kris Barras Band tearing it up on the Friday night of Steelhouse Festival last year, I know what a force of nature this band can be on stage. Fronted by Barras himself, a charismatic former MMA fighter, the band’s tight, nu metal-influenced style is that of a modern rock outfit who mean business.
Halo Effect continues in the same searing style as 2022’s Death Valley Paradise and is full of strong songs that show the power of Barras’ vocal writing and performance. Lead single Unbreakable already feels like it belongs alongside previous anthems like My Parade, a modern rock classic the band will perform every night. And standout track Fall To Fly is probably the best example of where Barras and co are heading – higher up the festival and rock venue lineup lists.
But Halo Effect doesn’t quite prepare the listener for the live experience. The modern, almost pop-like production places the lead vocals and guitars so high in the mix that the heaviness of the band ends up being dialled out of the songs. This won’t stall the Barras ascent, but it doesn’t match the stage sound for power and presence.
words JOHN-PAUL DAVIES
