Live Review: Parker Barrow Light Up The Bodega with Southern Soul and Rock ’n’ Roll Firepower

July 19, 2025 rocknews

Nottingham, 18 July 2025 — From the very first chord of “Make It”, Parker Barrow unleashed a performance that was less gig, more spiritual awakening. The Bodega’s intimate setting turned electric as the band roared to life, sweeping the crowd into their vibe with no intention of letting go.

“Glass Eyes Crying” followed like a rolling thundercloud, and then came “Good Times Gone Away”, introduced by a spine-tingling vocal from frontwoman Megan Kane that earned immediate cheers from the crowd. This wasn’t just performance — it was communion.

“From the opening notes, you’re swept along with the vibe — Megan’s voice captivates, and the band just knock it out of the park.” — Rock News UK

Kane’s Southern drawl, wrapped in a Daisy Duke charm and underpinned by raw emotional conviction, gave every word weight. She addressed the crowd mid-set with humility and excitement:

“Y’all know this is the first time the band have played the UK — in fact, it’s the first time we’ve been out the States,” she declared, the thrill in her voice unmistakable.

It was a moment of genuine connection — one that deepened as she shared her story: born in a small town near Birmingham, Alabama, she moved to Nashville, met her husband Dylan Turner — now drummer and co-pilot of the band — and has been chasing dreams ever since.

“Megan Kane doesn’t just sing — she lets you live every lyric. Her voice could earn the X Factor golden buzzer with a single note.” — Rock News UK

Engine Room Spotlight and Southern Charm

On “Throwing Stones”, the rhythm section — Turner and guitarist Alex Bender — earned the spotlight in an extended instrumental that flexed their power and precision. The groove swelled, the energy built, and the crowd responded with roars of approval.

The setlist, drawn from current album Jukebox Gypsies and their upcoming release, showed a band in transition — refining their sound while staying true to their Southern soul. Megan looked genuinely thrilled to be there, beaming between songs, clearly soaking in every second.

Then came “Back to Birmingham”, a swaggering anthem that proved Kane’s vocal range could knock down walls and rebuild them with honey and fire. Bender and Turner tore through instrumental breaks with ferocity and finesse, earning cheers that felt like affirmation from a converted crowd.

“Parker Barrow are the kind of band that remind you why you fell in love with live music in the first place.” — Rock News UK

Cover Masterclass & Fanbase Explosion

Their cover of “My Morning Song” by The Black Crowes was a triumph. The instrumental passages pulsed with tight grooves and soulful swagger, then Kane stepped forward again and unleashed her pipes — powerful, expressive, untamed.

“It draws you in and knocks you out of the park. Megan Kane’s voice isn’t just powerful — it’s transcendent.” — Rock News UK

They followed with “Novocaine”, their brand-new single released earlier that day. With its bluesy seduction and confident swagger, it felt tailor-made for the stage — and Nottingham responded in kind. Phones came out, fists went up, and even fans clad in Xander and The Peace Pirates shirts were visibly converted.

By the time they reached “Blinded”, Parker Barrow had forged an unshakable bond with the crowd. And when they closed with the anthemic “Peace, Love, Rock ’n’ Rollin’”, it was like watching a band christen their stadium dreams inside a venue that couldn’t contain them.

“The Bodega hosted a band with enough charisma, talent and soul to fill a stadium.” — Rock News UK

A Triumphant UK Debut

The night was a triumph. Words barely scratch the surface of just how good Parker Barrow are live. Their debut UK performance wasn’t just successful — it was explosive. These songs were built for movement, for meaning, for memory. And the audience responded — shouting, swaying, and already searching for their next tour date before the final chord rang out.

“Support Parker Barrow and ride the train of Southern rock success with them — one ticket in, and you’ll be chasing the next show before the amps cool down.” — Rock News UK