Review: Erin McCallum – Full Spread
On ‘Full Spread’, Erin McCallum confidently blends blues, roots, country and soul
Erin McCallum – Full Spread
Format: Digital / Streaming
Label: Independent
Release date: August 1, 2026
Text: Henk Hekkelman
Canadian singer-songwriter Erin McCallum deliberately embraces musical freedom on ‘Full Spread’. Blues provides the foundation, but across its nine tracks there is also plenty of room for Americana, country, soul, rock and New Orleans influences. This diversity never feels forced. McCallum’s powerful, seasoned voice and direct approach to songwriting hold the album together convincingly.
That is immediately apparent on opening track I Need A New Lover. Co-written with guitarist Teddy Leonard, the song has a strong blues groove and a chorus that quickly gets under your skin. McCallum sounds confident and playful, while the harmonica and guitar add just the right amount of bite. It is a strong opening statement that immediately highlights her strengths.
Good, Good News then moves towards New Orleans. Its rhythm is light and danceable, with a clear nod to the distinctive Bo Diddley beat. By contrast, Lost Myself Loving You brings country and blues together. McCallum sings about losing yourself within a relationship without slipping into excessive sentimentality. Her controlled delivery gives the song genuine emotional weight.
The Big Shout is another track that stands out. It has a dark, almost cinematic atmosphere, carried by an understated but effective rhythm section. On You Have It All, McCallum takes a warmer and more relaxed soul approach. The tempo drops, allowing her voice plenty of room to carry the song.
The guitar moves further to the foreground on Good Intentions. Teddy Leonard’s slide guitar gives the track a raw edge that fits the frustration in the lyrics about good intentions being misunderstood. It is easy to imagine this becoming a live favourite, where its solid groove will probably sound even more powerful.
One of the album’s strongest moments is Broken Lies. The threatening atmosphere, measured tempo and dark backing vocals complement McCallum’s robust voice perfectly. Rather than building towards a dramatic outburst, the song maintains its tension throughout. As a result, it continues to resonate after it has finished.
I’m Still Here (For Now), another collaboration with Leonard, introduces a funky rhythm. It adds momentum and shows how easily McCallum can make different musical styles her own. Closing track Home (Acoustic) then provides a fitting contrast. Its stripped-back arrangement returns the focus entirely to her voice and songwriting, giving the album an intimate conclusion.
‘Full Spread’ was recorded at Ganaraska Recording Company and co-produced by Erin McCallum and Teddy Leonard. Jimmy Bowskill engineered the sessions and contributed pedal steel and backing vocals. Steve Marriner mixed the album and can also be heard on bass and harmonica. Gary Craig and Steve O’Connor complete the line-up, while Philip Shaw Bova handled the mastering.
The title ‘Full Spread’ is well chosen. Erin McCallum displays the full range of her musical abilities without losing sight of her own distinctive sound. Although some tracks make a more immediate impression than others, the accomplished musicianship, varied arrangements and, above all, McCallum’s characterful voice make this a diverse and convincing roots album.
Tracks:
01. I Need A New Lover
02. Good, Good News
03. Lost Myself Loving You
04. The Big Shout
05. You Have It All
06. Good Intentions
07. Broken Lies
08. I’m Still Here (For Now)
09. Home (Acoustic)
Website: http://www.erinmccallum.com/themusic.html
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