Review: Bywater Call – Broken Souvenirs

Bywater Call Records – July 29^th, 2026

Reviewer – David Brighouse

This is the fifth Album from the 7-piece Canadian band, who describe themselves as a Roots, Rock and Soul band.

The album opener ‘Hold Me Down‘ is one of several singles taken from the album, and starts with percussion and smooth horns which slide into a relaxed but forceful soul song with a classic 60’s feel. ‘Is This Thing On‘ opens with acoustic guitar and blends the experience of being in a band with that of a relationship in a gentle ballad enhanced by a string section. Latest single ‘No One Else‘ focuses on taking control of your life and not to be taken in by those who seek to exploit you, all wrapped up in a rocky swirl of impassioned vocals and horn-led rhythm.

In contrast ‘Only‘ is a much cleaner organ focused ballad in the classic soul style, a song of love and loss. The guitar intro to ‘Way To Go‘ has a Delta Blues feel, but when it kicks into life proper it ends up as almost a Gospel song. The rumbling bass and sharp drum that starts ‘So Far‘ carries on throughout the song with the vocal taken to another level a third of the way in by the backing vocals and other instruments. ‘Clutter‘ is a beautiful acoustic ballad enhanced by some fine banjo playing and a real highlight.

‘Sally‘ starts with keyboard and some funky slide guitar, and Meghan imploring Sally to turn to her for help. ‘How Long‘ is a laid back, almost Jazzy number about a struggling relationship, with Dave Barnes providing some lovely guitar work. A complete opposite, ‘Ain’t No Friend Of Mine‘ is a hard rocking number with everyone in the band really going to town. Final track ‘Yard Sale‘ is a fitting closing number as it deals with clearing out the physical items of an old relationship, but the memories remain.

To me the one thing that stands out on this record is Meghan Parnell’s vocals which are exceptional throughout, not to say the rest of the group aren’t excellent, and overall, this is a very emotional record, that blends old-time 60’s soul with contemporary R&B to deliver a unique and uplifting listening experience.

The band are currently touring the U.S., and return to the UK next January. Tickets for all UK shows are available from The Gig Cartel, Gigantic, and Bywater Call.

Track Listing

1. Hold Me Down
2. Is This Thing On
3. No One Else
4. Only
5. Way To Go
6. So Far
7. Clutter
8. Sally
9. How Long
10. Ain’t No Friend Of Mine
11. Yard Sale

Line-up:

Meghan Parnell – Vocals

Dave Barnes – Guitars

Mike Meusel – Bass

Bruce McCarthy – Drums

Andrew Molgun – Keyboards

Julian Nalli – Saxophone

Stephen Dyte – Trumpet

Web Links:

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