The latest studio album from ‘Kingfish’ confirms his place amongst the crème de la crème of modern blues artists seeking to give us an exciting look at blues music. Sit back. You are in for a treat!
Release Date: 26th September 2025
Label: Red Zero Records
Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital
FUNKY
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram‘s new record is funky and strong right from the outset with the retrospective Truth. Cards are firmly laid on the table musically and lyrically for this compulsive new album. The Clarksdale, Mississippi native will showcase his skills on a UK tour later in 2025.
“This record comes from real-life reflection,” says Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. “I’ve been balancing fame, heartbreak, love, and relationships while trying to stay grounded, touring, creating, and maturing. These songs are about owning my story. “
This sums it up perfectly. Tempos remains high for Bad Like Me., which has a full sound from the outset. This track has it all, impulsive beat, dynamic riffs a fuzzy solo and firm, honest vocals which sometimes fluctuate with some echoey effects.
EXOTIC
The exotic S.S.S. has rampant wah-wah guitar licks oozing out of a solid pounding beat. It is impossible to prevent body movement; if you can’t groove to this you’re probably dead!
Nothing But Your Love shows the enigmatic Kingfish with a soulful, romantic touch. Though he could be considered a rookie amongst the blues fraternity, he plays with such maturity. It’s unsurprising he is in much demand from the likes of more experienced guys like Eric Gales and other contemporary blues artists.
Echoes of Hendrix runs through Crosses. It adds further fuel to the view that this already award winning artist could be in the running for more with Hard Road. Grammys, blues awards and best album recognition seem to come his way with all he touches. 2023’s Live In London, was a favourite with At The Barrier and this one surpasses that!
Photo: Jen Rosenstein
REFLECTIVE
As a reflection of his musical career, from young bright star to his current position as one who influences others, Hard Road has not one flat moment. His roller coaster life is full of sincerity in which he lets the many facets of his guitar work do his talking. Voodoo Charm being a perfect example; soaring licks in which his refreshing look at heavy blues shines out.
Just compare Back To LA, Clearly, Standing On Business and Hard To Love; worlds apart in musical presentation and vocal delivery however equal in displaying virtuosity.
Finally, homage is paid to traditional roots blues on Memphis. The jaunty number, with intricate acoustic guitar and smoky blues harmonica completes an unusual thematic approach to delivering blues music which will appeal to lovers of the blues.
UK Tour 2025:
November 18th – London – Kentish Town Forum
November 19th – Manchester – Albert Hall
November 20th – Wolverhampton – The Wulfrun Hall
November 21st – Glasgow – Old Fruitmarket
November 23rd – Leeds – Stylus
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram: Official website / Facebook / X / Instagram
Keep up with At The Barrier: Facebook / X / Instagram / Spotify / YouTube
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What a thoughtful review of *Hard Road* — you’ve captured how Kingfish balances homage to blues roots with fresh, bold energy. The parts about “Bad Like Me” and “S.S.S.” really stand out, especially where you highlight how his vocals and riffs carry both grit and soul. I’m curious — out of all the tracks you mentioned, which one do you think best represents his musical growth compared to his earlier work?