Toronto band BYWATER CALL will release their new album “Shepherd” on Friday August 9th 2024.
The album features ten original songs which exemplify the band’s ongoing musical endeavour as they stretch the confines of their roots-rock ‘n’ soul category to further establish their own distinctive personality. Their evolution is evident in these new numbers, which acknowledge both modern and historical roots.
Bywater Call is well-known for their intense, poignant live performances, which highlight the band’s dynamic interaction and potent vocals. Meghan Parnell’s voice is incredibly clear, cutting through songs that are full-blown anthems of salvation or, on occasion, addressing whirling veils of insecurity. Meg’s articulation is supported by Dave Barnes’s jaw-dropping, pitch-perfect bottlenecking, which also transform the band’s set pieces into astoundingly lavish melodic extravaganzas.
We have described their live performances as: “multilayered and vivaciously impactful…“
like an overtaxed knot on an ever-tightening straightjacket….
Holler glimmers right from the start! Meghan’s incredibly tight vocals are strained against the guitar like an overtaxed knot on an ever-tightening straightjacket. The beats soon get more intense, becoming akin to water droplets pelting onto a metal plate roof, while her voice becomes more powerful than an August rainstorm. There’s an increasing sense of transformation across the breadth of this wonderful piece. Amazingly creative!
Sweet Maria is filled with chocolate butterscotch vibrancy and sumptuous richness, and has a pleasant New Orleans blues & Southern soul atmosphere. The band blends sophisticated and flowing skills seamlessly, making songs like this feel almost gospel-like without becoming blatantly sacramental.
Photo Credit © Juan Perez Fajardo
For All We Know is a retro-styled rock-gospel number with Americana influences. It’s about uncovering an inner guidance and taking chances to pursue one’s dreams despite internal or external barriers that might stand in your way. It is, therefore, a joyful pounding of everlasting spirit!
Sign of Peace co-written with Joe Ernewein features an abundance of magical rhythms and some truly amazing instrumental artistry! It’s a song about genuine forgiveness with a tasteful suggestion of Gabe Dixon Band’s key combinations. but also with elements of Joplin’s suffering, as well as the soulful splendour of Etta James’ songstyle. Top-of-the-range astonishing!
Pre-order link: https://bywatercall.com/
Words: © Neil Mach
Main photo: © Marty Moffatt
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