Nashville-based Southern Rockers Parker Barrow Release New Single “Novocaine”

Just what the doctor ordered! To coincide with their July UK tour, Nashville-based, blues-Infused Southern Rockers Parker Barrow release “Novocaine” on Friday 18th July 2025.

“Novocaine” is the follow-up to “Make It,” released in April, which met to rave reviews. Both songs will appear on Parker Barrow’s upcoming highly anticipated sophomore album.

To coincide with the new single, the band is excited to announce a series of July UK tour dates including Maid of Stone Festival on Sunday July 20th, plus some warm-up shows at Nottingham Bodega (July 18) and London’s The Grace (July 19). The band are also special guests on The Damn Truth’s Winter 2025 UK tour which runs from November 12-23rd. Tickets are available from www.weareparkerbarrow.com/tour.

“Novocaine came from an idea Alex, our guitarist, had in his back pocket for some time,” says Parker Barrow’s founding member and drummer, Dylan Turner. “At the time he showed it to us I had recently written some lyrics with no real melody or “song structure” in mind, but I immediately realized the riff he brought to us was perfect for the lyrics I had just written.”

“The soft minor intro to the exploding guitars was the perfect combination of soul and heavy! After taking it into the studio our producer, Stephen McKnight had an idea to change the intro riff to a Rhodes style piano and from there we were off to the races. The drum track was played on a beautiful Bucks County drum kit that sounded amazing in the studio! Novocaine is a track full of energy, passion, and power. We hope it will leave the listener anything but numb after listening.”

“Novocaine was derived from an idea I had saved from a jam a few years ago,” explains Parker Barrow’s guitarist, Alex Bender. “It was a swung, sixteenth note chromatic riff that when paired with certain accents from the drums, created a bluesy almost seductive feel that was perfect for a verse. Originally written on guitar, our producer, Stephen McKnight, heard the riff and had the idea to transfer it and feature a Rhodes electric piano. This added even more character to the darker mood of the track. We felt dynamics were very important, so we used different instrumentation to achieve a wide dynamic range.”

“There were acoustic guitars used for rhythmic textures throughout the song. Most of it was tracked on a Gibson Les Paul, doubling any necessary parts with a Gibson SG. The guitar solo for Novocaine, was enjoyable to develop. It was played on a Les Paul that was running into a Wah effects pedal. The Wah allowed me to be even more expressive with the notes and the way I approached the solo. My favourite bit of the song is the chords our producer created to support the riff in the pre-chorus. It has a descending bass line that utilizes some augmented harmonies over top that sneak in and create a moment of dissonance before the eventual resolution in the powerhouse chorus.”

Continues Alex, “Novocaine allowed us to explore new songwriting territories with different feels but in a way that is still Parker Barrow. Soaring vocals, hard-hitting drums and plenty of guitar help to drive this song while still maintaining a level of restraint to let the track breathe when needed. Like a temptation we cannot resist, Novocaine satisfies all the desires we love, without any of the guilt.”

In 2023 Parker Barrow expanded with the full-time inclusion of guitarist and musical director Alex Bender. At the foundation of Parker Barrow’s sound is the heavy-handed groove of Turner’s drumming, with Kane’s soulful and electrifying vocals soaring up over the top. The pair’s dynamics are brilliantly stitched together by Alex’s creative riffs and spirited playing throughout the songs.

Line-Up
Megan Kane – Vocals
Dylan Turner – Drums
Alex Bender – Guitar
Bo Howard – Bass
Will Tipton – Guitar
Eric Safka – Keyboards

Parker Barrow has become well known for their electrifying, full throttle live shows where no two performances are the same and their songs feature extended jams that move seamlessly through the emotional spectrum.

They have toured the US alongside Robert Jon & the Wreck, Them Dirty Roses, the Kentucky Headhunters, and The Band Feel. Parker Barrow’s shows are legendary. They are a well-oiled rock ’n’ roll machine on stage with a captivating live presence and infectious energy. Don’t miss your chance to catch them live!

Feature Image Photo Credit: Photo taken at Plaza De Toros De Bejar, Spain

The new single ‘Novocaine’ is available on all streaming platforms HERE