Legendary South African singer-songwriter Steve Louw will release the double single “Killers”/“Streets of Rain” on July 12, 2024

Renowned singer-songwriter and guitarist for blues rock, country and Americana, Steve Louwannounces 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 can be found on Louw’s highly anticipated third solo album, Between the timesRelease through BFD Records is scheduled for Friday, September 6, 2024. The album, available as a 2-CD digipack, double vinyl and digital, can be pre-ordered and pre-saved at 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 messages from the first weeks of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, this intense, guitar-driven track encapsulates feelings of helplessness and anger.

“I wanted the song to feel spiritual, powerful, cutting, and to exist on different timescales,” says Louw. “When we recorded ‘Killers,’ it felt like we were stepping into an earlier, fleeting time.”

Doug Lancio’s overdriven Harmony Rocket guitar, combined with Steve’s acoustic guitar and Rob McNelley’s soulful slide guitar, creates a powerful sonic statement of anger and sadness.

“The sound of this track is what I love about making records,” says producer Kevin Shirley. “World-class musicians creating art together. Capturing these moments and being part of the experience never gets old.”

“Killers” is available on all streaming platforms. Watch the official music video HERE.

The impressive Hammond organ playing of B3 wizard Lachy Doley and the electric guitar and acoustic guitar choir bring 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 hits you, it feels like you’ll never get out of it, 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 finished ‘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 the times comes decades after the start of a long career that began in the 1990s when Louw worked with South African record producer Kevin Shirley and fronted Big Sky. Louw returned to the music scene with his rousingly successful 2021 solo album Headlight dreamsThis was followed Thunder and raina rich and natural album that mixes powerful folk and haunting rock.

With Between the timesLouw explores moments that lie outside the strict constructs of time, using imagery that is both timeless and present. Recorded live in the studio with the same band, the music has a transcendent quality where craft and inspiration merge into something mystical.

Excellent cooperation

The album features contributions from notable musicians, including Joe Bonamassa and Jim Moginie of Midnight Oil. The soulful “Killers” segues into the driving “Giants Walk The Land” (co-written with Moginie) and a fresh start with “Time to Get On.” The band’s chemistry is evident on tracks like the deep shuffle of “Do Me Good” and the country honk of “Alibi.”

Hearing the band discover the inherent passion and tenderness in the songs is part of the pleasure of Between the timesTheir shared energy is a crucial element, which extends to guest appearances that enhance the album’s rich, compassionate and soulful sound.

Song List

CD1

Alibi (4:07)
We had everything (3:37)
Beggars tonight (4:40)
Giants wander through the land (4:45)
Murderer (4:40)
StreetJane’s Dream#3 (5:24)
Do me good (4:06)
Flowers from the graves of pigeons (4:07)
Do not leave a heart alone (3:22)
Time to move on (5:38)

Second CD

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 and me tonight (3:08)
Cold, cold rails (3:45)
Undo it forever (4:44)
Highway to the Sun (7:59)