Grammy award winning, multi-platinum selling Soul Asylum are on the road in Europe on the back of their late 2024 release 'Slowly but Shirley'. We caught up with them at the iconic Fleece in Bristol.
Before the main event, supporting the Minneapolis rockers we had Unbelievable Truth. Playing as an acoustic-ish trio, the audience who turned up in great numbers early doors, were treated to a delightful set of "slow, melancholy, country-tinged ballads, wrapped in a soft blanket of acoustic guitars and minor chords", not my words, but perfectly described. Forming in 1993, it wasn't until 1997 when they released their first single and 1998 their first album. They split in 2000 and after the odd show and compilation releases, it would not be until 2023 when they joined together once again to mark 25 years of that first album release in a reunion show. Post this small run of shows, they have announced a new EP for release later in 2025.
The audience were treated to delicious harmonies, warm guitars and soothing keys, a crowd almost silenced by the wonderful songs. Lead singer and guitarist Andy Yorke (younger brother of Radiohead's Thom) kept the chat to a minimum as the tunes flowed. Nigel Powell (Sad Song Co and formerly drummer in The Sleeping Souls (Frank Turner’s band), provided the rhythm, be it from the keyboard or guitar and wonderful supporting vocals. Last but by no means least Jason Moulster provided bass that seemed to transcend the sound of that simple 4 stringed instrument.
All together, it felt like warm embrace, but one hiding a deep sadness which received a great reception from the near full house to a really beautiful set.
Then it was time for the main event. Soul Asylum kicked things off with pace and didn't stop for breath..... apart from the telling of Pirner's 'fantastic' jokes! (ahem…) 'The Only Thing I'm Missing' from the new album started the night followed by the massive hit 'Somebody to Shove' from the 1992 album Grave Dancers Union. By this point the crowd were really getting into it and the energy from the stage surged across the venue.
As the songs came thick and fast we saw the majority from the new album (7 tracks), Grave Dancers Union (6 tracks) and Let Your Dim Light Shine (4 tracks). The new tracks sat so snuggly between the old tracks and when you consider there is 32+ years difference in their release this is no small feat.
But there is a difference between old and new. While Pirner's style and delivery remains unchanged, the feeling of the new album’s songs were more uplifting, at least in melody and tone if nothing else. And that new positivity seems to have energised the band. Maybe it was because this was only the second date of a three week stint across Europe after a Christmas break, but the band's mood was joyous and fun filled, and this was reflected back from the packed Fleece. Bristol loves Soul Asylum and the feeling seemed mutual.
The 90 minute set flew by and the brief encore drew the night to a close.
Soul Asylum are hardly the most prolific album producers, just 13 releases (not including live and compilations) in 40 years. From a rapid 6 albums in their first 8 years from 1984, we have only seen 7 albums of new material in the 32 years since. But pick a song from anywhere in the back catalogue and it still sounds fresh and current. That's why playing Grace Dancers Union tracks, 32 years later, still resonate. The crowd really were a mixed generation bunch and while us ‘older heads’ get to feel that nostalgic glow hearing them live again, the new generations are discovering a raw and energetic sound that is probably significantly older than them, it's like a musical rebirth supported by the wonderfully strong new material.
2025’s Soul Asylum not only have the hard earned credentials and the back catalogue to show their stature, they have a renewed energy and are packing a host of new tunes that really rock.
Words and Pictures Glenn Morrison