Bywater Call: Broken Souvenirs Review

There are albums that instantly grab your attention with pure electricity, and then there are those that slowly work their way into your heart. Broken Souvenirs, the fourth studio release from Toronto’s Bywater Call, manages to do both. Across eleven songs, the band delivers an emotionally complete record, blending blues, Southern soul, roots rock, and vintage R&B into a collection that feels both comfortably warm and universally relatable.

Named for the Bywater neighborhood near Frenchmen Street in New Orleans, the band formed in 2017. Meghan Parnell (vocals) and Dave Barnes (guitar) were playing together in cover bands when they were asked to write 30 minutes of original music for a brief opening slot, which sparked the creation of Bywater Call. What immediately catches your ear is Parnell’s vocals. Described as a “grittier Adele,” her voice is impossible to ignore, capable of shifting from quiet vulnerability to full-on soul revival within the span of a verse. Whether delivering heartache, determination, or quiet reflection, Parnell sings with a heartfelt honesty that makes every verse thought-provoking.

Dave Barnes’ guitar work doesn’t attempt to compete for the album’s spotlight, instead providing timely solos, tasteful textures, and expressive slide work that perfectly complements Parnell’s vocals. Around them, Mike Meusel (bass) and Bruce McCarthy (drums) lock into effortless grooves, while the band’s horn section, Stephen Dyte (trumpet) and Julian Nalli (saxophone), is an integral element of the band’s sound, answering vocals and driving the emotional flow. Andrew Moljgun’s keyboards complete the soundscape of seven artists in total harmony. Barnes co-produced the album with Patric McGroarty, and together they expertly mix in string arrangements and backing vocalists on several tracks.

The album opens with “Hold Me Down,” an upbeat soul-rock song of defiance against being controlled, with exclamation points provided by the horn section: “It ain’t love if you gotta hold me down.” It is followed by the album’s most recent single, “Is This Thing On?” The acoustic backdrop provides the space for Meghan’s vocals to power this song about wondering if your message is being heard. It almost feels introspective, like your soul is doing a mic check with your mind. The album continues with a couple more pre-release singles. “No One Else” features a booming full-band sound in this inspirational tune of defiant accountability: “I have no one else to blame.” “Only” is a ballad about being on the wrong side of a relationship as a partner loses the spark, wrapped in a classic ’70s soul flavor: “It’s only your love that’s slipping away.” “How Long” may be the best of the early released tracks, with its moody atmosphere highlighted by Parnell’s vocals and an excellent Barnes solo.

The rest of the album is equally strong. “Way To Go” starts like a roller coaster with a short, slow acoustic opening before taking off on a high-speed, full-band ride. “So Far” is another retro soul rocker, seasoned nicely with backing vocals echoing Parnell’s leads while the horns also contribute supporting voices. “Clutter” is another favorite track, featuring tasteful acoustics highlighted with a little banjo flavoring. It’s a thoughtful piece of empathy for someone close to you struggling with loss. The mood changes instantly with “Sally,” a catchy, upbeat take on the “pick me up when I’m down” theme. The album closes with the fast-paced, drum-driven rocker “Ain’t No Friend Of Mine,” showcasing Barnes’ slide guitar, before ending with “Yardsale,” another stirring song about dealing with loss. The acoustic gem is once again driven by Meghan’s soulful voice, echoed beautifully by the backing vocals.

What makes Broken Souvenirs especially rewarding is that it is an album full of honest songs that connect on an emotional level. It is a collection of warm, organic tracks that flows effortlessly between blues, soul, Americana, and vintage R&B. As mentioned earlier, this album will grab you immediately, but with each listen it grows more sentimental, lingering long after the final notes of “Yardsale” fade away. Broken Souvenirs is a must-listen and an award-worthy work of contemporary blues rock.

The Review: 9/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Is This Thing On
– Only
– Clutter
– How Long
– Yard Sale

The Big Hit

– How Long