Review: Dea Matrona / Kris Barras Band

Rescue Rooms, Nottingham (February 20th 2023)

Reviewer/Photographer: Dan Mann

Click on photos for full size

Dea Matrona

I’m not familiar with opening act Dea Matrona, but it just meant an opportunity to maybe discover a new band as it were. Playing to an already fairly full Rescue Rooms, Orlaith Forsythe and Mollie McGinn played an entertaining set, easily winning over the crowd. With a mixture of original music and a few covers, I must say I really enjoyed them and will be checking out their music in more depth.

Kris Barras Band

By the time headliners Kris Barras Band hit the stage, the Rescue Rooms was well and truly rammed. Kris & the guys have a strong following, something that was very much evident. Having seen Kris Barras a few times over the years, it’s been interesting to watch the transformation to a heavier sound. Guitarist Josiah J Manning has changed from a quiet keyboardist to an out and out rock axeman, perfectly complimenting Kris Barras‘ energy. Firing off proceedings was the superb ‘Hail Mary‘, triggering the crowd’s energy to increase, not that they needed much encouragement.

It also helped increase the temperature in the Rescue Rooms, making it one hot & sweaty gig! With the energetic stage presence of bassist Frazer Kerslake, underpinned by drummer Billy Hammett, creating a powerful yet not overblown rhythm section, this gig was only ever going to be highly entertaining, not that I had any doubt on that front. This is a band that give 100%, a band that is at it’s best when seen live, the band’s catalogue of music let off the leash!

Roll on May when the Kris Barras Band headlines Call OF The Wild Festival‘s Friday night.