THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Known for their dynamic blend of punk energy and heartfelt melodies, Soul Asylum’s new album Slowly But Shirley promises to deliver a rich array of musical styles, from raucous rockers with guitar-fueled firepower to delicate heartfelt tunes.
Collaborating once again with producer Steve Jordan (The Rolling Stones, John Mayer), who worked on their 1990 album And the Horse They Rode In On, Soul Asylum recorded live at the Terrarium in Minneapolis, capturing an authentic and vibrant sound.
The lead single High Road exemplifies the band’s talent for crafting infectious rock anthems. After years of perfecting the arrangement, Dave Pirner — who spent what felt like “forever” tinkering with the song and moving around different parts — describes it as a “Frankenstein kind of situation that hopefully finally makes sense.” It’s exactly the sort of gloriously ramshackle rocker that Soul Asylum does so well, complete with a melodic chorus hook.
The album’s title and cover pay homage to Shirley “Cha Cha” Muldowney, a pioneering drag racer who inspired Pirner during 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 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 features an eclectic mix of songs, including the psychedelic pop of You Don’t Know Me, the funky groove of Tryin’ Man, and the grungy power pop of Freeloader. Renowned musician Ivan Neville (The Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt), who has played on prior Soul Asylum albums and tours, once again adds his keyboard magic, enhancing the album’s depth and texture.
Pirner reflects on the recording process, noting the influence of past experiences. “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.”
