Like a good Shepherd, Bywater Call is tending to their flock by putting out an enormously grand release. This is their third release, and it promises big things.
It is as if they are on a mission from God: to quote the Blues Brothers.
There are 10 tracks that are filled with a huge heaping full of Blues, Southern Rock, Gospel and Soul. Every song owns its own powerful story, and Meghan Parnell knows how to preach it to the choir. She really can navigate an emotional journey with power and agility.
The opening number, “Everybody Knows”, starts with a deep hard groove reminiscent of the Black Crows meets Gov’t Mule. It is a solid rocker!
“Colours”, is their single and I did watch the video. It was well executed with Just a single ongoing shot of Meghan wandering around in a room. The song has moments of desperation, helplessness and frustration.
When this band brings in the southern rock sound, you can hear wonderful voices of the past. With “Sweet Maria”, I could feel the wonderful tipsy sound of Dr John as he hands you a piece of delicious dark chocolate. The hand clapping moment just adds to the overall feel to this song.
Another fun tipsy song is “Roll”, with a quirky vibe and slightly drunken gospel. The horns on this song elevate it to a perfect height.
In fact, the horns seem a little understated which adds to perfectly weigh and balance of each song. Most bands like to blow their horns loudly to get that high hit of dopamine. Bywater Call’s horns play perfectly well with the rest of the entire band. They don’t need to be over the top; they sit at the right height and carry you through song.
I think you may enjoy “Holler”, for its primitive stomping beat and what feels like an indigenous war cry! “For all we know”, brings us back down with its smooth and cool vibe. Again, the horns have a way to wake up your soul in a soothing manner.
“Turn it around”, struts it way through an exuberant dance vying for some serious attention.
“Now and Never” feels like soulful popcorn with attitude.
“As if”, has that fat bass that pounds you into pure 70’s Soul Funk. This one could get you dancing naked in your living room.
As the album comes to a close, “Sign of Peace”, is a perfect song to finish off this rock-solid album. It feels like a New Orleans funeral that turns into a full-blown jamboree.
This album simply feels like a great rollercoaster ride at your favourite park. It has all the ups and downs and twists and turns of a wide range of emotional journeys. This should be a breakout album for this band. This should bring them to the next level of attention.
Bywater Call, is a powerhouse seven-piece Southern soul, roots rock band from Toronto, Canada, made up of Meghan Parnell (vocals), Dave Barnes (guitar), Bruce McCarthy on drums, Mike Meusel on Bass, newest member, John Kervin on Keys, Stephen Dyte on Trumpet and Julian Nalli on Tenor Sax.
If you want to see this album performed live, they are playing the Rivoli December 19 & 20. You can buy tickets here. These two concerts should be total sell outs, so grab your tickets now!
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