House of Blues is bigger, yes. It also brings in bigger-name bands to play on its bigger stage, and bigger crowds park in its bigger parking lot to see those bigger-name bands play on that bigger stage. But Renfield’s Corner—the latest addition to Feargal McKinney’s empire—is better, and here’s why: every meticulously booked show in the bar’s tiny back room feels like a secret gig by one of the best local bands in town. And they are all free.