Words and Photos: Damien Harvey
Kris Barras Band’s stop at the stunning Union Chapel was always going to be a special one, but few could have predicted just how intimate, dynamic, and emotionally charged the night would be. With the promise of two distinct sets – one an acoustic piano-driven session, the other a full-band dual-guitar spectacle – Barras and his band showcased their versatility and raw talent in a way that left the crowd in awe.
The evening opened with Barras in a more vulnerable and stripped-down setting, delivering an acoustic set centered around the piano. The Union Chapel, with its ethereal acoustics and hushed reverence, was the perfect backdrop for this more delicate side of the band’s music. Barras’ gravelly yet soulful voice resonated beautifully in the space, bringing fresh emotion to songs that, in their full-band form, often carry a heavier punch.
Fan-favourite tracks such as “Landslide”, “Secrets” and “My Parade” from their latest album, “Halo Effect” were reimagined with tender arrangements, allowing the lyrics and melodies to take center stage. The interplay between piano and acoustic guitar added depth without overpowering the stripped-back atmosphere. It was a set that demanded silence and attention, a moment to absorb the storytelling and the raw passion behind each note.
Between songs, Barras engaged warmly with the audience, asking who was seeing him live for the first time. Genuinely intrigued by the number of first-timers, he shared a few laughs with the crowd, making the show feel even more personal. It was a moment that highlighted his down-to-earth nature and ability to make everyone, whether a longtime fan or a newcomer feel part of the experience.
Barras spoke with the crowd prior to “Watching Over Me” when he spoke about this song being dedicated to his late father who pushed him to become a musician but sadly passed before he could see it happen. Kris was very light-hearted about the situation and did laugh but spoke highly of his late father and said he was a good man.
Kris then spoke about the situation of the pandemic back in 2020 when he wrote the song “Wake Me When It’s Over”.
Setlist 1:
“Intro”, “Hourglass”, “Secrets”, “Landslide”, “Savages”, “These Voices”, “Jam”, “Propane”, “Watching Over Me”, “All Along The Watchtower”, “Wake Me When It’s Over”, “My Parade”
The second set saw Barras return to the stage, this time joined by Josiah J. Manning on guitar for a spellbinding dual acoustic guitar session. While still acoustic, this set carried a different energy, more intricate, more dynamic, and full of beautifully layered melodies. The chemistry between Barras and Manning was undeniable, as they effortlessly traded licks and harmonized in a way that felt both organic and powerful.
The set featured a mix of fan favourites and deep cuts, all reimagined in a way that suited the unique acoustic format. The crowd remained engaged throughout, feeding off Barras’ interaction as he continued to joke, tell stories, and respond to the energy in the room. It was clear that while the performance was stripped down, the connection between the band and the audience was as strong as ever.
What made this show truly special wasn’t just the music, it was the way Barras and his band created an atmosphere that felt both grand and deeply personal. The contrast between the piano-led first set and the dual acoustic guitars in the second set highlighted their versatility, proving that power in music doesn’t always come from volume, it comes from emotion, authenticity, and connection.
For those who were experiencing Kris Barras Band live for the first time, this was one hell of an introduction. And for those who had seen them before, this was a night that reaffirmed why they keep coming back.
Setlist 2:
“Heart On Your Sleeve”, “Lovers or Losers”, “Rock ‘n’ Roll”, “Runnin'”, “Unbreakable”, “Hold On For Tomorrow”, “I Got Time”, “Counterfeit People”, “Rain”, “Simple Man”, “Hail Mary”, “Dead Horses”
https://www.krisbarrasband.com/
About Author
