Parker Barrow are a classic US rock outfit led by husband-and-wife duo Megan Kane (lead vocals) and Dylan Turner (drums), the name of the band being a homage to Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow – the infamous American bank robbers during the early 1930’s Great Depression. The band’s vintage rock vibe features elements of rock, Southern rock, Blues and Soul, but their sound is distinctively their own. There’s an impressive mix of old and new influences threaded throughout the band’s repertoire, including The Rolling Stones, Blackberry Smoke, Allman Brothers Band, Aerosmith, Tedeschi Trucks, The Black Crowes and traces of Led Zeppelin.
A chance encounter in 2019 paired-up Megan and Dylan, who was hunting for a new singer. Two weeks later, they were on the road together, driven by one goal: making their musical dreams a reality. In 2023 Parker Barrow expanded with the full-time inclusion of guitarist and musical director Alex Bender. Dylan lays down a heavy groove while Megan’s soulful vocals soar high above. Together with Will Tupton (guitar), Bo Howard on bass and Eric Safka on keys, Alex’s inventive riffs and fiery playing pull it all together, creating Parker Barrow’s signature sound.
Parker Barrow’s debut album Jukebox Gypsies was released in 2023 to glowing reviews from music press and fans globally; and the single Back To Birmingham racked up over a million YouTube views. They’ve since earned a reputation for powerhouse live shows featuring spontaneous jams and fresh twists on their songs. In 2025, the band were busy touring the U.S. and, in the summer, they played festivals, and headline shows in the U.K. and Spain. The band’s new five-track EP Hold The Mash has arrived just as they embark on a high-profile November UK tour supporting Canadian rockers The Damn Truth.
Hold The Mash features the previously released singles Make It and Novocaine, together with their new single The Healer and two more new songs Glass Eyes Crying and Olivia Lane. First up is Make It, opening with a swaggering blend of riff and Megan getting stuck in with her trademark powerhouse vocals. There’s a hint of Zeppelin about this song, and touch of gospel rock in the choruses; sharp, snappy percussion from Dylan and a tasty burst from guitarist Alex later on. And it would be churlish to ignore the big, booming bass line courtesy of Bo Howard. Listening to the Commoners recently, I was struck by the similarity between these two bands – which must be good news for Parker Barrow!
Next up is Glass Eyes Crying, a smoother intro leads one into another full-on classic southern rock number – chunky chords, swirling organ, big gospel-tinged chorus, all topped with Megan’s meaty singing – the pairing on tour with Lee-La Baum’s The Damn Truth is going to be very interesting! This track positively reeks of The Black Crowes for me in its overall vibe – timeless stuff. Novocaine follows, a darker, more blues-led number that is relatively restrained to start with – but these guys don’t mess round and the funky keys/bass-led vibe soon blows you off your feet. Influences like The Black Crowes, Commoners, The Damn Truth all come together winningly, and I bet this is great live – we’ll find out very soon!
Olivia Lane is slightly different in that it builds more gradually from an acoustic base. Traditional blues to start with, although you’re always expecting the step-change into something altogether heavier. The mid section has some truly delicate acoustic sparring before the inevitable happens – introduced by Dylan thwacking his kit like a certain Mr. Bonham used to. A clever composition lets rip on the final chorus, all very satisfying.
The Healer brings the EP to its conclusion, it opens with a full-throated slide riff before Megan launches into her lambasting vocals, so powerful! It also reveals a new side to the band in that it features Eric Safka’s psychedelic-tinged organ solo which sets it apart from the rest of the tracks released so far.
It’s all good stuff, and I’m looking forward to seeing these guys supporting The Damn Truth on their imminent tour – it’s going to be noisy!
