Reviews
Artist:Soul Asylum Album: Slowly But Shirley
Label: Blue Elan
Tracks: 12
Website: https://www.soulasylum.com/
For most US followers of contemporary music, the American garage/grunge/rock band Soul Asylum will have been a ubiquitous presence since the early 80's. However, over here in the UK I imagine most will have been introduced to their music through their phenomenally successful 1992 single release 'Runaway Train', which would have then led them on to the equally successful album 'Grave Dancers Union'.
Since then, the band have continued undiminished and whilst their 'golden years' of success might be seen to loosely span the late 80's to the late 90's, they have nonetheless continued to play and record, with this current album 'Slowly But Shirley' being their thirteenth release to date. And of course, given their longevity, the band have had to negotiate many dramas, shifts in fortune, twists and turns over the years on their journey to where they are today.
So, on to the music and safe to say the bands trademark rock, grunge and groove remain undiminished .
Opener 'The Only Thing I'm Missing' powers in on a scorching guitar line, pumping drums, bass and trademark vocal, 'High Road' is all sharp licks and syncopation, 'You Don't Know Me' is very nearly ballad territory before the jolting 'Freeloader' breaks any hint of reverie.
The energy in this opening quartet of songs is maintained throughout and the twelve tracks here fairly whistle through without a hint of compromise.
'Tryin' Man' is a simply stunning piece of rock music and sounds like the Red Hot Chilli Peppers covering the Spin Doctors, 'Waiting On The Lord' is as good as the title suggests, 'Trial By Fire' is driven by yet another ear worm riff before the stately 'High & Dry' brings the glorious proceedings to a close.
No sign of jaded longevity, age or apathy to be found here. With 2024's 'Slowly But Shirley', Soul Asylum stroll back into the game and kick the ball right out the park.
Great songwriting, great performances and a truly joyful listen all round, thoroughly recommended.
Paul Jackson
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