Some bands have instant name recognition for one reason or another, but how many know what they are truly about? Coming out of Minnesota, Soul Asylum is one of those bands with a deep, rich history that goes far beyond the massive success of 1993’s “Runaway Train.” Granted “Runaway Train” became a ‘runaway hit’ around the globe and even won this do-it-yourself Rock band a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song in 1994, how many realize that Soul Asylum already had five albums under their belt at this point? That is right, these guys began twelve years early and released their debut album Say What You Will, Clarence… Karl Sold the Truck in 1984, and the beloved multi-platinum-selling Grave Dancers Union from 1992 was their sixth overall studio album. Hard to believe for anyone who experienced the “Runaway Train” music video in heavy rotation on MTV between 1992 and 1994, but in truth, Soul Asylum were Rock-n-Roll veterans.
Now thirty years after receiving a Grammy award, Soul Asylum has maintained itself as one of the only Alternative Rock bands from the early ‘90s still going strong. Not only that, they are still putting out music that stays true to their guitar-driven approach. For the mainstream, Grave Dancers Union was a bit of a wake-up call as to who Soul Asylum was, and those who paid attention realized they liked it a lot. With other sounds like “Somebody to Shove” and “Black Gold,” the follow-up of Let Your Dim Light Shine in 1995 (featuring the killer “Misery”) only solidified a broader following of Soul Asylum that stuck with the band through the late ‘90s, into the 2000s.
Granted, there have been some tough years for Soul Asylum, including the tragic loss of original Bassist Karl Mueller in 2005 after a battle with cancer, but Lead Vocalist/Rhythm Guitarist Dave Pirner has kept going. A truly unique guy with an authentic Punk Rock attitude and a heart of gold, Pirner has kept Soul Asylum moving forward with a strong lineup featuring former Prince Drummer Michael Bland, Lead Guitarist Ryan Smith, and more recent addition, Bassist Jeremy Tappero. Together they return in 2024 with the thirteenth Soul Asylum album, Slowly but Shirley.
Available on September 27, 2024, the new record is a follow-up to 2020’s Hurry Up and Wait, and their second through the indie label Blue Élan Records. Looking back, just four years ago Pirner dealt with some very personal issues on Hurry Up and Wait following the end of his marriage. Hard for anyone, that album had a lot of strong songs on it that fit Soul Asylum well, but Slowly but Shirley looks to kick it up a few notches.
As stated, Soul Asylum has always been a guitar-centric band, and this new album proves that once more. Upbeat and heavy, the songs feel like they were recorded while Pirner and company were amidst a creative high. Here you have the Punk Rock energy of earlier Soul Asylum material, but all with the maturity of knowing how to unify signature melodies.
Complete with twelve songs, included are pre-album release singles “High Road” and “Freak Accident.” These two samples out there, both are on the opposite ends of Soul Asylum’s brand of Rock. Much of the remainder of this album combines these two approaches, with some of the boldest moments including these singles, but also “You Don’t Know Me,” “If You Want Me Back,” and “Trial by Fire.”
Altogether Soul Asylum shows that they are as authentic as ever. Where some bands are trying to strike the balance of following trends and keeping their identity, Soul Asylum sticks to what they do best.. writing and performing lively Alternative Rock. That is why you must get out and see the band live; because to say the least, it is a blast. A welcomed jolt to the drab landscape of modern music, Cryptic Rock gives Slowly but Shirley 4 out of 5 stars.
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