Single review: BYWATER CALL – Is This Thing On?

Another delightful discovery – Bywater Call. Although this single, featuring mainly vocalist Megan Parnell and guitarist Dave Barnes, isn’t representative of the band as a whole, which features a two piece brass section, drums, bass and keyboards, it is a really good way of introduction to their Americana flava music.

I say the above like I’m an expert on the band. I’m not, but what this single did was piqued my interest and I went searching on You Tube for other stuff of theirs, and found a plethora of amazing music, including a very brave and well executed live version of Led Zeps Kashmir.

Megan and Dave also appear to go out as a duo, in that sense this single is a good indicator of their vibe. The song is about artists putting their material out, and not knowing if anybody is listening to it, a dilemma thousands of artists worldwide go through each day. It could also be about a relationship, so very clever in its duality.

Musically it is led by Dave’s finger picking guitar, which is reminiscent of Davey Graham or John Renbourn, and in the background a low string section kicks in after a minute or so. Then a solo fiddle hits you with one stroke of the bow, then another, then out. Tasty, and leaves you wanting more. Riding over everything is Megan’s vocal, a strong emotive voice, with tones of Emmylou Harris in the higher register on this particular song. It’s intoxicating for sure. And seemingly effortless.

They cross genres as a band and cite their influences as Black Pumas, Alabama Shakes, Shakey Graves (whole lotta shakin going on here), and even Amy Winehouse and The Black Crowes.

The single is taken from their forthcoming fourth album Broken Souvenirs, out on July 29th. This single is out now. They are touring in early 2027. ****

Review by Andy Sharrocks

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Power Plays w/c 22 June 2026

DELANEY FAULDS – Beautiful Again (indie)
ANY GIVEN SIN Until We Disappear (Mascot Records)
JADE ELEPHANT Anymore (indie)
DIAMOND RAIN Naked City (Pride & Joy Music)
DAEDRIC Sand Tiger (FiXT)
PARKER BARROW Nothin’ Left To Save (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 22 June 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

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