SOUL ASYLUM DROPS NEW ALBUM
SOUL ASYLUM Fall Tour with Special Guests Juliana Hatfield Three Unveils New Album Slowly But Shirley
“(‘Freak Accident’ is) a sly, craggy semi-acoustic number with a great chorus.” – Stereogum
“…Pirner’s songwriting style is something to be examined and writing from the purest and darkest parts of himself have always been the redeeming qualities of his greatest songs.” – American Songwriter
“…the moments of introspection really come to the fore, especially through the lyrics of the band’s founding singer and songwriter Dave Pirner” – Forbes
“‘High Road’ reintroduces the band as bright, punk-adjacent, indie-loving rockers. At three minutes and change, it’s a sweet and energetic listen sure to please fans of their ’80s and ’90s material.” –Consequence (of Sound)
Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum selling rock band SOUL ASYLUM return today with the release of their highly anticipated 13th studio album, Slowly But Shirley, via Blue Élan Records.
Known for their dynamic blend of punk energy and heartfelt melodies, Soul Asylum’s new album delivers a rich array of musical styles, from raucous rockers with guitar-fueled firepower to delicate heartfelt tunes.
Collaborating once again with producer Steve Jordan (Rolling Stones, John Mayer, Robert Cray, Keith Richards), who helmed their 1990 album And the Horse They Rode In On, the band finds a seamless balance between revisiting their roots and breaking new sonic ground.
At the heart of the album is frontman Dave Pirner‘s soulful songwriting, with the band recording live in the studio to capture the raw, captivating spirit that defines their unforgettable live performances.
The album’s title and cover pay homage to Shirley “Cha Cha” Muldowney, a pioneering drag racer who inspired Pirner in his youth. “When I was a kid, I loved drag racing,” he says. “And she was the first woman of drag race. It meant a lot to me that she was willing to stand up against all these men in racing. My manager called her up, and she gave us her blessing, which means a whole lot to me because she was a childhood hero.”
Slowly But Shirley opens with the powerful track “The Only Thing I’m Missing,” showcasing the band’s signature sound with a scorching guitar line and a buoyant tempo, setting the tone for the rest of the 11 tracks. The album flows effortlessly into the deeply introspective “High Road,” a single that took Pirner years to perfect. Its raw vulnerability and hook-laden chorus are quintessential Soul Asylum, embodying the spirit of resilience and evolution that defines the album. The song’s emotional weight is a clear standout, showcasing Pirner’s ability to capture personal struggles in an accessible, melodic way.
“Freak Accident” is an easygoing yet poignant track that Pirner performed live for years before finally recording it. Its reflective lyrics touch on the inevitability of human mistakes, underscored by an acoustic guitar sound. The track has quickly become a fan favorite and adds a lighter, yet still thoughtful, element to the album’s overall intensity. Delving into the more experimental side, Slowly But Shirley offers the psychedelic “You Don’t Know Me,” adding variety to the album’s sonic landscape. Groovy and textured, it pushes the band into unexpected territories, enriching the overall experience of the album and keeping listeners intrigued.
With Slowly But Shirley, Soul Asylum continues to explore the emotional highs and lows of life while honoring their legacy as one of Minneapolis’ most enduring rock bands. The album is a testament to their staying power, combining musical growth with the familiar grit and energy that has defined them for over four decades. “You come into the studio with everything you’ve learned from previous record-making experiences,” Pirner says. “That can’t help but guide you and make it a better, more efficient process.”
Soul Asylum’s legacy spans over four decades, highlighted by their breakthrough album, Grave Dancers Union, which went double platinum and featured the Grammy-winning hit, “Runaway Train.” Despite challenges and changes, the band has remained a vital force in the rock scene, continually evolving while staying true to their roots. Slowly But Shirley is a testament to their enduring spirit and creative prowess.
Soul Asylum On Tour:
9/30/24 – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater
10/1/24 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Grand at The Complex
10/3/24 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Live
10/5/24 – Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre
10/6/24 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre
10/8/24 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall
10/10/24 – San Francisco, CA – Regency Ballroom
10/11/24 – Los Angeles, CA – Regent Theatre
10/12/24 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues
10/13/24 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre
10/15/24 – El Paso, TX – Lowbrow Palace
10/16/24 – Odessa, TX – Ector Theatre
10/17/24 – Austin, TX – Mohawk
10/18/24 – Oklahoma, OK – Tower Theatre
10/20/24 – Kansas City, MO – The Truman
10/21/24 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall
10/22/24 – Columbus, OH – The Athenaeum Theatre
10/24/24 – Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smith’s
10/25/24 – Homer, NY – Homer Center for the Arts
10/26/24 – New Haven, CT – District Music Hall
10/28/24 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer
10/29/24 – New York, NY – Webster Hall
10/31/24 – Portland, ME – State Theatre
11/1/24 – Rutland, VT – Paramount Theatre
11/2/24 – Montreal, QC – Beanfield Theatre
11/4/24 – Ottawa, ON – Bronson Centre
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