Canadian roots, rock and soul collective Bywater Call open 2026 with the release of their brand-new studio single “Only”, out Friday 9 January 2026.
Available now on all streaming platforms, “Only” marks the band’s first new studio release of the year and continues a remarkable run of momentum that has seen Bywater Call firmly establish themselves as one of the most compelling live and recording acts in contemporary blues and roots music.
Rooted in the classic soul traditions of the 1960s and 70s, “Only” is a slow-burning, emotionally rich ballad that leans into restraint and vulnerability. Driven by a smooth, unhurried groove, the song centres on singer Meghan Parnell’s unmistakable smoky vocal delivery as she navigates the quiet heartbreak of loving more deeply than being loved in return.
The track is a plea to hold on, even as separation looms, with its emotional weight carried not through melodrama but through honesty and understatement. Lush background vocals from Joanna Mohammed of Aphrose and Claire Davis add depth and warmth, amplifying the song’s sense of longing and emotional imbalance.
Guitarist and co-writer Dave Barnes explains the intent behind the track:
“Only is a simple, yet emotionally powerful tune. It shows off a sweet, softer side of Meg’s usual powerhouse vocals.”
While the song nods clearly to classic soul, its modern edge is unmistakable. Fans of artists such as Adele and Amy Winehouse will hear familiar emotional phrasing and tonal nuance, woven seamlessly into Bywater Call’s own evolving sound.
“Only” was recorded at Palace Studios in Toronto, captured and mixed by Patric McGroarty and mastered by Kristian Montano at Montano Mastering. The result is a recording that feels intimate and immediate, allowing space for every vocal inflection and instrumental detail to breathe.
Bywater Call’s reputation as a formidable live band continues to grow alongside their studio work. Known for their dynamic shows and deep musical interplay, the seven-piece outfit consistently transcend genre boundaries, blending southern soul, roots rock, blues and funk into a sound that feels both timeless and urgent.
Their 2024 album Shepherd was named Blues Album of the Month by Classic Rock, later winning Blues Album of the Year in the magazine’s year-end awards. The publication described the record as “inventive and uncommonly catchy,” noting that “the sense of a band on the brink is unmistakable.”
That momentum carried into 2025 with a second consecutive UK Blues Award nomination for International Act of the Year, alongside praise from outlets including Blues Matters, Bluestown Music and Music News.
With extensive touring planned across Europe, Canada and the United States throughout 2026, “Only” offers a poignant glimpse into the band’s next chapter, balancing emotional subtlety with the depth and soul that have become their hallmark.
