Legendary South African blues rock and roots artist Steve Louw is back with his much-anticipated double album Between Time, released today, Friday, September 6th, 2024. Available as a 2-CD digipack, double vinyl, and in digital formats, the album arrives with the new single “Cruel Hand of Fate,” featuring renowned guitarist Joe Bonamassa.
“Cruel Hand of Fate” is the fourth single from Between Time and brings a nostalgic yet urgent feel to Louw’s storytelling. The song taps into the timeless imagery of trains, a motif that Louw feels captures the essence of life’s journey. “Trains have a mystery to them,” Louw explains. “Their rhythm comes from way off and then fades into the future. As a kid, I would put coins on the tracks and feel the warm squashed coin in my hand as the train clacked away.” This metaphor of life as a train ride serves as the backbone of the song, with a traveling musician racing against time to reunite with his love.
Bonamassa’s contribution to “Cruel Hand of Fate” is a haunting solo on a Fender Telecaster B Bender guitar, adding a country-tinged dimension to Louw’s brooding slide guitar. The interplay between Louw’s evocative lyrics and Bonamassa’s virtuoso guitar work gives the track an emotional depth that is hard to ignore.
A Journey Through Time
Between Time is a significant milestone in Louw’s decades-long career, which began in the 1990s with his critically acclaimed band Big Sky. Louw quickly gained recognition in his native South Africa and beyond, thanks in large part to his long-standing collaboration with famed producer Kevin Shirley, known for his work with artists like Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, and Iron Maiden.
After nearly a decade away from music, Louw reemerged with Headlight Dreams in 2021, a solo album that reignited his career and garnered a South African Music Award nomination. Working once again with Kevin Shirley, Headlight Dreams featured an all-star lineup, including keyboardist Kevin McKendree (John Hiatt), drummer Greg Morrow (Billy Gibbons), bassist Alison Prestwood (Buddy Miller), and guitarists Rob McNelley (Hank Williams Jr) and Doug Lancio (Bob Dylan).
Following the success of Headlight Dreams, Louw released Thunder and Rain, another critically acclaimed project that merged his signature blues-rock sound with folk influences. Now, with Between Time, Louw takes listeners deeper into themes of time, travel, and the human experience. The album captures personal moments while speaking to universal truths, solidifying Louw’s position as one of the most compelling voices in blues rock and Americana today.
An Icon Reborn
The release of Between Time marks a triumphant chapter for Louw, who has continually evolved while remaining rooted in his authentic blues-rock style. His collaboration with Joe Bonamassa on “Cruel Hand of Fate” is sure to captivate fans, new and old. The single, with its rich narrative and powerful musicianship, promises to resonate deeply, offering a perfect gateway into the rest of the album’s rich tapestry.
With Between Time, Steve Louw proves once again that he is a vital force in the world of roots rock, continuing to craft music that speaks to both the heart and soul.
Listen to Between Time and “Cruel Hand of Fate” on all streaming platforms and catch the official music video on YouTube.