UK Blues Awards nominees two years running for International Act of the Year, Canadian roots, rock, and soul band Bywater Call has ‘Only’ just released their first studio single of 2026.
Recorded at Palace Studios in Toronto, mixed by Patric McGroarty, and mastered by Kristian Montano of Montano Mastering, ‘Only’ is a throwback to those soul anthems of the 60s and 70s that have lasted the distance. Bywater Call has also added modern influences.
“‘Only’ is a simple, yet emotionally powerful tune,” said guitarist and co-writer Dave Barnes. “It shows off a sweet, softer side of Meg’s usual powerhouse vocals.”
Meghan Parnell sidesteps sultry lyrical nuances in her attempt to win back her man of the moment on Bywater Call‘s new single ‘Only’. Rather, there’s a weary pondering, deliberating the moment, as if gently pushing it away hoping no one will notice. But as the chords change and the tempo deliberates on whether to shift, the lines “It’s only your love that’s slipping away, it’s only my whole world I’m losing today” brush through the haze revealing the singer’s practically dancing in the dark where tears can’t be seen.
‘Only’ is a tale of broken hearts, a plea to remain together, all while downplaying the breakup. Parnell is joined by soothing background vocalists Joanna Mohammed (Aphrose) and Claire Davis. Formidable a band as Bywater Call is, with their horn section most particularly proving their potency on recent releases, here their strength is one of a supportive, soulful trucking nature. Some of the finest bands playing today can trace their roots to Canada, and Bywater Call is one such.
‘Only’ is available on all streaming platforms, and you can check out the lyric video here at RAMzine.
Bywater Call will be touring the UK in 2026, and UK dates are expected to be announced before too long.