PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
I first came across Bywater Call about a year ago, whilst reviewing their then latest single, ‘Sign Of Peace’, completely blowing me away with ease. If you can mix Janis Joplin with The Black Crowes, then you’re nearly there. Six songs are on display here with a forty minute running order, as they sure do like to jam!
So back to the present day as the 7-Piece Toronto, Roots, Rock And Soul Band crank it up once more with there first live album and live single. If you like bands who like to jam and keep on jamming, like myself, then you will not be disappointed.
Album opener ‘Sunshine’ has a sassy bass intro, jabbing keyboards, pumelling bass bombast that’s a breath of fresh air as the first majestic vocal from Meghan Parnell sends us crazy, backed by a roaring tirade of roaring sax.
An ethereal two minute intro to ‘Bring Me Down’ doesn’t overstay its welcome as its solace adds to a tearjerking vocal, as Meghan holds on to every note with ease, bursting into life for an outrageous guitar solo and drum outro.
‘As If’ is a quirky little toetapper par excellence as they lock in tight for seven minutes of free form jazz like nuances of mainly sax, guitar and wickedly performed vocals, settling down halfway for brass and guitar prowess.
My album highlight is ‘Love The One You’re With’, the Stephen Stills classic. Their take on it is genius, sheer genius, sending it to the heavens and back again, especially from the keys, sax jam, joined by bass guitar, drum overload and guitar heroics!
‘Sign Of Peace’ is Gospel tinged for an uplifting song, blowing the clouds away, leaving us glorious sunshine as this turbocharged song is one to relish, and heavy on the brass section.
‘Everybody Knows’ closes this album in style as howling feedback and gruff lead vocals reminded me of Rod Stewart in his prime. The rhythm section is monstrous once more, above all the ensuing mayhem from the manic outro.
http://bywatercall.com Band info :-
SUNSHINE is the first live album from Bywater Call. A mix of newly released music including the cover of Stephen Stills’ LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH and the funky new original title-track SUNSHINE (previously released as a single in May), fan favourites AS IF, SIGN OF PEACE and EVERYBODY KNOWS from 2024’s SHEPHERD Album and BRING ME DOWN from their 2019 Self-Titled Debut Album, SUNSHINE the album is an epic, energetic peek into the band’s live show. Songs feature extended one-of-a-kind jams, fiery solos, and haunting introductions from shows in Toronto, Canada, Woodstock, New York, USA and Newbury, UK. On this album, the band’s (Dave Barnes – Guitar/ Slide, Mike Meusel – Bass, Bruce McCarthy – Drums, John Kervin – Keys, Julian Nalli – Sax, Stephen Dyte – Trumpet) ability to improvise, innovate and play off each other shines through, all the while showcasing the gritty, dynamic and emotive vocals of lead singer Meghan Parnell. It is a true reflection of the heart and sweat poured out on stage every night. SUNSHINE was captured and mixed by drummer Bruce McCarthy and mastered by Kristian Montano (Montano Mastering).
