On Friday, January 9th, Canadian Roots, Rock, and Soul band Bywater Call released their first studio single of 2026, “Only.”
It’s a while ago now but my colleague Lorraine did an interview with lead singer Megham Parnell in late 2023 when they were touring the UK (I have placed a link to the feature/interview at the end of this review). We have also dipped into their releases along the way and I was happy to get this one sent along, as we are just starting to wake up to 2026 and begin to shift those late 2025 reviews into the archive!
Let me first share the press review on this one, ““Only” is a throwback to the timeless soul anthems of the 60’s and 70’s. Featuring Meghan Parnell’s signature smokey vocals and a smooth, slow groove, this losing-of-love song is a heartfelt plea to remain together, while attempting to downplay the pain of breaking up.The emotional melody, accompanied by the rich background vocals of Joanna Mohammed (Aphrose) and Claire Davis, captures perfectly the feeling of loving more than being loved. Reminiscent of the classic artists of the genre, “Only” is infused with modern influences such as Adele and Amy Winehouse.“Only is a simple, yet emotionally powerful tune,” says guitarist and co-writer Dave Barnes. “It shows off a sweet, softer side of Meg’s usual powerhouse vocals.” The song was recorded at Palace Studios in Toronto, captured and mixed by Patric McGroarty, and mastered by Kristian Montano of Montano Mastering
Bywater Call are powerhouse seven-piece Southern soul, roots rock outfit from Toronto, Canada; the band is comprised of Meghan Parnell (vocals), Dave Barnes (guitar), Bruce McCarthy (drums), Mike Meusel (bass), newest member, Andrew Moljgun (keys), Stephen Dyte (trumpet), and Julian Nalli (tenor sax).
My Review:
It is interesting that Lorraine raised with Meghan how an earlier song of theirs called “Lover Slow Down” had a strong jazz feel to it, even though they are by no means known as a jazz infused band. She told us,
“With the exception of myself, the whole band has a jazz background. Most of them know each other as they went to the jazz program at a school here called Humber College, so they all have a strong understanding of jazz, the chord progressions, and so on.”
I mention that because there was much in this track that took me toward jazz, that late night club feel from back in the days when a cigarette burned and the bourbon was poured and Harding presided over his card table in the White House! I loved the harmony in this one and the musical textures from a really tight band that are taking their distinctive sounds forward into 2026. It took me toward Otis Redding, it’s uplifting and a song I happily listened to back-to-back. It promises well for the album in late 2026.
“It’s only your love that’s slipping away
it’s only my whole world I’m losing today
Please don’t leave all alone, I can’t stand to see you go
Just wanna hear you tell me you’ll stay
But it’s only your love…”
“Only” feels like Bywater Call easing the lights down low and trusting the room to lean in. It’s classy, soulful, and quietly confident — the sound of a band that knows exactly who they are and isn’t done evolving yet. If this is where 2026 is heading for them, then pour another bourbon, hit repeat, and settle in.
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Photos on this page by Simon Green
Stream music by Bywater Call here
Band Website here
By Stevie Ritson