Renowned blues rock, country, and Americana singer-songwriter and guitarist, Steve Louw, announces the release of his highly anticipated double single, “Killers”/“Streets of Rain,” on Friday, July 12, 2024. The tracks are available on all streaming platforms via https://orcd.co/SteveLouwKillersStreetsofrain.
Both songs are featured on Louw’s eagerly awaited third solo album, Between Time, set for release by BFD Records on Friday, September 6, 2024. The album, available as a 2-CD digipack, double vinyl, and digital, can be pre-ordered and pre-saved from https://orcd.co/SteveLouwBetweenTime.
A Reflection on War and Loss
“Killers” reflects the chaos and devastation of war. Inspired by an audio clip of intercepted radio chatter during the early weeks of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, this intense guitar-driven track encapsulates feelings of helplessness and rage.
“I wanted the song to feel spiritual, powerful, and cutting and exist on different time planes,” says Louw. “When we recorded ‘Killers,’ it felt like we were stepping across into an earlier flickering time.”
Doug Lancio’s overdriven Harmony Rocket guitar, combined with Steve’s acoustic and Rob McNelley’s soulful slide guitar, creates a powerful sonic statement of rage and grief.
“The sound of this track is what I love about making records,” says producer Kevin Shirley. “World-class musicians together, creating art. Capturing those moments and being part of that experience never grows old.”
“Killers” is available on all streaming platforms. Watch the official music video HERE.
The evocative Hammond organ playing of B3 wizard Lachy Doley and the chorused electric guitar and acoustic teases out the melancholy of “Streets of Rain.”
“It’s a song about loss,” says Louw. “Although our pain is personal, you are not alone. When it’s coming down on you, it feels like you’ll never get out of there, but you will.”
“Lachy is one of the greatest Hammond players in the world, right up there with Steve Winwood and Booker T,” says Kevin Shirley. “When I was finishing off ‘Streets of Rain,’ I knew his playing would be perfect. His beautiful solo captures the essence of the song.”
“Streets of Rain” is available on all streaming platforms. Watch the official music video HERE.
A Timeless Journey
Between Time arrives decades into a long career that began in the 1990s when Louw partnered with South African record producer Kevin Shirley while fronting Big Sky. Louw returned to the music scene with his rousingly successful 2021 solo album Headlight Dreams. This was followed by Thunder and Rain, a rich and natural album blending muscular folk and insistent rock.
With Between Time, Louw explores moments that fall outside the strict constructs of time, using imagery that’s both timeless and present. Cut live in the studio with his same band, the music has a transcendent quality, blending craft and inspiration into something mystical.
Stellar Collaborations
The album features contributions from notable musicians, including Joe Bonamassa and Jim Moginie of Midnight Oil. The heartfelt “Killers” flows into the driving “Giants Walk The Land” (co-written with Moginie), and to a new beginning on “Time to Get On.” The band’s chemistry is evident in tracks like the low-down shuffle of “Do Me Good” and the country honk of “Alibi.”
Hearing the band discover the inherent passion and tenderness within the songs is part of the pleasure of Between Time. Their collaborative energy is a crucial element, extending to guest appearances that enhance the album’s rich, compassionate, and heartfelt sound.
Track Listing
CD1
Alibi (4:07)
We Had It All (3:37)
Beggar Tonight (4:40)
Giant’s Walk The Land (4:45)
Killers (4:40)
StreetJanes Dream#3 (5:24)
Do Me Good (4:06)
Flowers From The Graves Of Doves (4:07)
Don’t Leave A Heart Alone (3:22)
Time To Get On (5:38)
CD2
Get Real Gone (3:33)
The Way Your Heart Beats (2:05)
Take Me For A Ride (3:56)
Streets Of Rain (4:07)
Cruel Hand Of Fate (5:19)
Free To Fly (2:10)
You ‘n Me Tonight (3:08)
Cold Cold Rails (3:45)
Ever Be Undone (4:44)
Highway To The Sun (7:59)
