Review By Darren McIntyre
Bywater Call are a powerhouse 7-piece Southern soul and roots rock band from Toronto, Canada. In 2023 the band played 96 shows in 10 countries, 89 cities, 19 US states & 3 Canadian provinces and performed a live stream for famed German TV show Pockpalast. They have performed on Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping The Blues Alive cruise, and Meghan & Dave opened for Southern California rockers Robert Jon & The Wreck on their sold-out European tour. The band brought us their first new release of 2024 in the form of Holler and followed that with As If, Everybody Knows & Sweet Maria from their incredible album Shepherd. The band release their first studio single of 2025 in the form of Hold Me Down and follow that with the barnstorming bruiser Ain’t No Friend Of Mine, which I will be bringing you today.
Ain’t No Friend Of Mine – The cool track erupts into life with a thundering snare drum roll that really sets the tone for this rocking monster as a delicious, dark low end drops in. The smouldering, melodic vocals from Megan bring the track to life as the boys bring the groove with a cool brass section that instantly lifts this arrangement, the cool, slick guitar licks are weaving their way through the track as the band just seals the deal with a real country, blues composition that has us stamping our feet and really feeling the gritty, bluesy licks that are easing their way through this punchy, rocking beast. The towering vocals are just kicking in the doors and letting us feel the depth, swagger and soul oozing from this classy, well-thought-out arrangement. This band are going to tear up the UK when they tour later this month; catch them if you can, and miss them at your peril.
Bywater Call –
Meghan Parnell – Vocals
Dave Barnes – Guitar
Mike Meusel – Bass
John Kervin – Keys
Stephen Dyte – Trumpet
Julian Nalli – Tenor Sax
Bruce McCarthy – Drums
Track Listing –
Ain’t No Friend Of Mine
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