ALBUM REVIEW

Bywater Call - Broken Souvenirs

Label: Bywater Call Records

Released: July 29, 2026

DR: TBD

Bywater Call is a powerhouse seven-piece crew out of Toronto that’s been tearing up the Southern soul and roots-rock scene since 2017. Fronted by Meghan Parnell’s raw, whiskey-and-honey vocals and Dave Barnes’ greasy slide guitar work, these guys embrace a super loose, jam-heavy vibe that makes every live show feel completely spontaneous. They’ve got this killer, free-flowing chemistry where gritty blues-rock, gospel keys, and jazz-funk horns just bleed together into a soulful Americana stew. They're basically road warriors, constantly touring the world and dropping acclaimed records like Shepherd and their latest jam, Broken Souvenirs. If you dig organic music that isn't over-rehearsed and actually has some room to breathe, this is your new favorite band. Giberson has worked with an impressive range of musicians and explored everything from intimate solo piano to lively, modern jazz with his groups Upper Left Trio and Go By Train. His recordings reflect a curiosity about sound and a willingness to follow an idea wherever it leads, without losing sight of the melody. Now part of Portland's vibrant music scene, he continues to perform, record, and collaborate, bringing a personal touch and an open-minded approach to contemporary jazz.

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Bywater Call opens their latest release, Broken Souvenirs with Hold Me Down, a deep soul grooving track that immediately establishes the band’s loose, trademark. Lead vocalist, Meghan Parnell’s vocals are front and center, backed by Claire Davis and Joanna Mohammed, oozing with soul, with authentic trumpet backing by Stephen Dyte and anchored by rock solid drums by Bruce McCarthy and Mike Meusel on bass. On No One Else Here, Parnell is way out front with Andrew Moljgun on keys and Dyte on trumpet, providing a punchy rocking track with Dave Barnes wailing on guitar under the track.

Way To Go, has a driving rhythm with powerful vocals and grinding guitar riffs by Barnes. Backing vocals by Tafari Anthony and punchy horn work by Dyte really gets the track cranking and Barnes winds up the slide really giving this track a true 70's soul vibe. Ballad, Clutter, has a country framework with Moljgun on banjo and and Parnell leading the way on vocal with rich backing vocals by Davis and Mohammed. Very nice.

How Long is my favorite track on the release with a soulful, pseudo funky groove by McCarthy and Parnell just riding the wave, backed by Anthony and with Moljgun on keys. Wrapping the release is Yardsale, a slower track with powerful vocals by Parnell, Davis and Mohammed. Another strong radio likely track with a solid melody, features Moljgun on keys/strings, Alex McMaster on cello. Solid closer for a cohesive soulful release.

📋 Album Credits & Production Info Toggle Display

Album Title Broken Souvenirs
Artist Bywater Call
Record Label Continental Record Services
Release Date July 29, 2026
Personnel Meghan Parnell (Lead Vocals), Dave Barnes (Guitar/Slide), Mike Meusel (Bass), Bruce McCarthy (Drums/Percussion), John Kervin / Andrew Moljgun (Keyboards), Julian Nalli (Saxophone), Stephen Dyte (Trumpet/Valve Trombone)
Studio Production Produced by Dave Barnes and Patric McGroarty; Recorded at Palace Studios in Toronto; Mixed by Patric McGroarty; Mastered by Kristian Montano

🎼 Track Listing & Personnel Toggle Display

Featured Personnel & Masters: Meghan Parnell, Dave Barnes, and Bywater Call.

Hold Me Down
Is This Thing On?
No One Else
Only
Way To Go
So Far
Clutter
Sally
How Long
Ain't No Friend Of Mine
Yardsale

📺 Session Video Performance Toggle Display

Watch: Bywater Call play live sessions from Broken Souvenirs

🎵 Discography & Purchase Options Toggle Display

Album Title	Record Label	Accreditation	Year
Broken Souvenirs	Continental Record Services	Full Length Studio Release	2026
Remain	Gypsy Soul Records	Sophomore Studio Album	2022
Bywater Call	Gypsy Soul Records	Self-Titled Debut Album	2019

My take

This release is an incredibly cohesive, soul-stirring journey that effortlessly balances deep grooves, powerful vocal dynamics, and standout instrumentation before wrapping up with a rock-solid melody.

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