Canadian band Bywater Call are one of the most talked about bands on the Americana scene, and rightly so. The seven-piece is a tight fusion of rock, blues, country, Gospel and roots. During a live show, lead vocalist Megan Parnell's vocals will blow the roof, and the band are so hot they'll set the sprinklers off!
With the 70s vibe of the album Parnell's vocal could be likened to the heavier end of Carole King and Linda Ronstadt on the slower tracks and more akin to Elkie Brooks in Vinegar Joe mode on the punchier ones. While comparisons are somewhat inevitable, Parnell's vocal lines are unique and delivered in style. Every track combines her expressive vocals with a brilliantly textured arrangement from the band that is never overworked or forced. Their zeal and ability to draw emotion to bolster the track's story only enhances the listening pleasure throughout the album.
Album opener 'Everybody Knows' wastes no time in laying down the foundations for the album in terms of tone and influences. The energy is off the scale on the track, so it's perhaps an odd choice to introduce a change of pace so soon with 'Colours'. If it was a decision to show their versatility to new listeners and track skippers, then it was a wise move. It also shows how self-assured the band are to be able to mix up the vibes and rhythms this early on.
'Sweet Maria' is a real show-stealer. Repeat with a funky 70s-style keyboard, bags of percussion, punchy horns and Parnell's vocals driving the track to its hand-clapping Gospel finale: It's truly magical stuff. 'Holler' flips the tempo again with another stomping track while 'For All We Know' and 'Now or Never' offer us a peak into the band's love of experimenting with different flavours of roots music. The album wraps up with jazz-inspired 'Sign of Peace', which has the air of a New Orleans parade. It's a wonderfully uplifting way to end a sensational album.
'Shepherd' offers a journey of different musical expressions with 70s-inspired roots-rock, stunning vocals, and a red-hot band. While the nostalgic feel of the album has a wide appeal, this is a band that is sure to have a bright future: they're just too good not to.
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