Relaxed, timeless soul is not, dear reader, something I’ve ever liked. But there’s always one in any genre – and Bywater Call are it.
Renowned for transcending boundaries, the seven-piece Canadian band have built their reputation on emotionally charged performances, exceptional musicianship and the thrilling interplay between everyone involved. Their fourth studio album, “Broken Souvenirs”, finds them moving through soul, Americana, blues, country and rock with an ease that makes genre labels seem largely pointless.
“Hold Me Down” begins with the sort of warm, timeless soul that Bywater Call make sound effortless. There’s a groove here, certainly, but there’s also an emotional depth that immediately sets the tone for what follows.
“Is This Thing On?” brings a folky edge to proceedings, with its brilliant violin adding to the atmosphere. That gives way to the grandiosity of “No One Else”, where Meghan Parnell’s superb voice is absolutely perfect for the widescreen arrangement.
“Only” might sound relaxed, but the heartbreak underneath is crystal clear. Bywater Call have an ability to make pain sound beautiful without ever diluting it, and Parnell sings every line as though she has lived it.
When I saw Bywater Call, they were playing acoustically as a pair, and “Way To Go” offers a tantalising glimpse into their more country-fired material. Beginning in stripped-back fashion before the full band takes over, its driving energy is irresistible.
There’s a lot going on throughout “So Far”. Things get funky, the horns make their presence felt and the whole thing is drenched in harmonies. It underlines just how many colours the seven-piece can bring to these songs without ever overcrowding them.
Personal taste comes into it, I guess, but somehow Bywater Call become even more powerful when they strip everything down. “Clutter”, decorated with acoustic guitar and banjo, is understated, empathetic and utterly compelling.
The mood changes again with “Sally”, but my goodness, this band can write a catchy chorus. There’s heart and soul in every second of it, but it has the accessibility to lodge itself in your head immediately.
“How Long”, though, is the true highlight. Powerful, emotional and blessed with a horn arrangement that adds rather than distracts, it builds magnificently. Then Dave Barnes cuts loose with a sensational guitar solo. What begins as a great break-up song ends up becoming something genuinely special.
“Ain’t No Friend Of Mine” is a vamped-up rocker, its rhythm section driving it forward while Barnes’ slide guitar gives it a filthy edge. It is Bywater Call letting loose, and the contrast with “Yardsale” could hardly be clearer.
The final song strips everything back again. Quiet, reflective and filled with loss, “Yardsale” allows Parnell’s voice and the beautiful backing harmonies to carry the emotion. It is a restrained ending to an album that has frequently sounded enormous.
In early 2026, Bywater Call earned their third consecutive UK Blues Awards nomination for International Act of the Year. “Broken Souvenirs” makes it easy to understand why. There is class in every arrangement, but more importantly, there is feeling in every note.
Relaxed, timeless soul still isn’t something I usually like. Bywater Call, however, remain the exception.
Rating: 7.5/10
