The Heavy Souls – A Giffard Sonic Experience Bordering On The Rapturous

Certain performances transcend being merely an appearance with the sounds and feelings experienced, elevating the occasion to something magical, showcasing the artist’s immense talent and vast potential. Saturday evening at Wolverhampton’s legendary Giffard Arms with The Heavy Souls was just such an event.

The Heavy Souls

Giffard Arms, Wolverhampton – 28 June 2025

Words: Sophie James

Photography: Sandis Luttropp

Before I get into the details, first, some background. Hailing from the City of Steel, The Heavy Souls identify as a heavy blues-rock powerhouse, something that summarises January’s superb debut, Have You Got Soul?

Comprising Clarke Vaughan on vocals, Ben Boswell on guitar, bassist Ryan Jones and drummer Charlie Morris, they have been recently joined by Zak Meyer on the keys, whose swirling atmospheric tones enrich the already sprawling soundscape.  

“Wolverhampton! Have You Got Soul?”

Before one of the largest backdrops I’ve encountered behind the small stage, the staccato intro to the title track leads into the buoyantly pulsating scene setter. As one’s ears accustom to the mix, the on-stage synergy metamorphoses into a breathtaking pageant of sonic majesty.  

Since the aforementioned debut, an additional triple salvo has been drip-fed, eventually making their way onto the recent 13 track Deluxe Edition.

To the acquainted, the instantly recognisable vibrato chords of Sweet Tooth, the second extra, follow.

Reminiscent of Manifest Destiny Pt 1, like all the other inclusions, there is an auditory intensification that could flood more voluminous spaces with ease. As if to stress the point, Ben embarks on the first of many guitargasmic excursions.

Initial bonus track Walk On Water continues in similar expansive vein. Commencing broodingly before swelling into an epic that conjures fleeting visions of Zeppelin in full flow.

The interplay between Ben and Zak is enchanting while the synchronous chorus locks them into the groove as Charlie’s asymmetric drum pattern punctuates Clarke’s emotive vocals.

“Are you guys as warm as us?”

One sympathises with the oppressive conditions performers are subjected to at this time of year as the audience suffer similarly.

Broken is a towering mass of blues that perfectly epitomises that cold, cold feeling of “My heart is broken, broken in two.” Take a bow, Mr Boswell, whose resplendent solo animates the raw emotion of the topic.  

Misery has never been so dynamic.

Already referenced, the inclusion of a Rival Sons classic is no surprise. An extended guitar intro leads into a supercharged, potently funked-up version of Pressure And Time.

As the joy spreads from the stage into the room, Zak provides that additional layer of hammondesque opulence. With both cowbell and maracas thrown into the breakdown, what’s not to enjoy?

On the subject of percussion, Charlie lets rip surprisingly early with a Drum Solo. One cannot blame the band for scheduling an essential ‘fluid break’ on what may be a longer than customary set.

Its enthusiastic tempo, supplemented by copious amounts of bovine chimes, was well received.

Then comes a brace of ‘Shes’. An echo-intensive intro heralds the Americana essenced She Said while the keys on the conversely menacing yet effervescent She Devil appear to eclipse the guitar but suit the arrangement impeccably.

There is a haunting ominous undercurrent to the melody of latest release Broken Woman before it surges into a galloping finish. With each of the new compositions now aired, one must remark how the structure of each reflect continued ambition and growth.

“One of my favourites to play live.”

It felt like each chord of the impactful Rise And Fall hit you in the ribcage. Switching from grinding blues to anthemic gallop, then soaring escapism and back again.  

“Give me strength when I fall, My mind is a prison with my darkest thoughts.”

Prey has a joyous stomp allied to a hugely infectious riff. Given further exposure, the chorus has the potential to foster a powerful sense of togetherness as audiences connect with the struggles expressed.

On the night its composer headlined Glastonbury, the main set was concluded with a second cover, an adrenalised and potent Hey Hey, My My (Into The Black). The manner in which it intertwined with their self-penned material suggested the presence of another key influence.

“Renegade heartbeat in my chest.”

The ethereal ambiance and slow grind of Sleepwalking is one of the album’s standouts. Offering a brief respite from the preceding assaultive intensity, it is its smooth unrelenting flow that accentuates its velvet melody.

For a song of such gospel-like repentance, The River felt unexpectedly celebratory. Its captivating undulating riff atop a pulsing bass line concluded the evening in vibrant fashion.  

A unit in the true sense of the word, The Heavy Souls fuse and exploit a mélange of lush organic influences. Clarke’s mellifluous tones soar above Ben’s otherworldly guitar tones and Zak’s ambient keys while Ryan and Charlie provide the most dependable of foundations.

I for one was utterly captivated at how the musical moods and potency intensified as the set progressed and still feel that I have only just scratched the surface in articulating the emotions evoked. 

A solitary sighting is insufficient to truly appreciate their grandeur, and I am already savouring the prospect of reliving this experience.  

For those yet to encounter them, I strongly urge you to do so at an intimate venue before it’s too late.

The Heavy Souls Are:

Vocals – Clarke Vaughan

Guitar – Ben Boswell

Keyboards – Zak Meyer 

Bass – Ryan Jones

Drums – Charlie Morris

Setlist

1. Have You Got Soul
2. Sweet Tooth
3. Walk On Water
4. Broken
5. Pressure and Time (Rival Sons cover)
6. Drum Solo
7. She Said
8. She Devil
9. Broken Woman
10. Rise And Fall
11. Prey
12. Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black) (Neil Young cover)

Encore:

1. Sleepwalking
2. The River