Steve Louw – Traces of the Flood
He has a rock voice that’s a little sweeter than most – a Rick Springfield (“My Father’s Chair”), a little Todd Rundgren, Nils Lofgren & Kenny Loggins (“Somebody Knows”). While this showcase doesn’t have the vocal depth of a singer as commandeering as a Bruce Springsteen, Dion DiMucci, Elton John, or Billy Joel, Steve Louw (acoustic guitarist/vocals) has a fine musical underpinning that’s well played & he never fails to deliver. This isn’t criticism — any one of these artists on a good day is great on some of their songs.
Louw, who has released 11 studio albums, succeeds nicely on ballads (“Tumbling Down”), which is a little grander than “Traces of the Flood.” He has good tonality & sings well. Another good ballad, “Echo Dream,” has music threaded through creatively. Steve’s arrangements & lyrics are quite good, & the song has a Shawn Phillips mystique to it (“Moonshine/Armed”). It’s a well-recorded LP produced by Kevin Shirley with Traces of the Flood (Drops May 15/BFD/The Orchard/35:07) showcasing the music of a South African singer-songwriter & guitarist recorded live in Nashville’s RCA Studio.
With “Angeline,” Steve really begins to ignite. His voice changed; it has fiery backup vocals & a more Southern-etched & saloon ale flavor. It’s wonderful. Has a Leon Russell edginess. Rock with Gospel glue. Well, that always works. Pure rock ‘n’ roll fires from the barrels of Steve’s band with “CBGB Xmas.” This is like that big glass of warm milk spiked with whiskey that your Dad gave you when you had the flu, & you thought milk always tasted like that. Steve shines brightly throughout. He’s found his place (or I finally did).
He knows how to rock as he unleashes “Across the River,” with its sparkling Creedence Clearwater Revival tradition. He doesn’t have that distinctive John Fogerty vocal rasp (so what?), but Steve holds his own with brilliance. With “Dark Pony,” Steve manages to encapsulate a George Harrison guitar sound with feeling & it’s remarkable.
The closer “Time To Move” — another rocker that solidifies Steve’s ability to be a good ass-kicking rocker in the tradition of John Mellencamp & the like. Did I say it’s superb? Yes, it is.
Highlights – “Traces of the Flood,” “Tumbling Down,” “Echo Dream,” “Angeline,” “CBGB Xmas,” “Across the River,” “Dark Pony,” & “Time To Move.”
Musicians – Bob Britt (electric/acoustic guitars/vocals), Doug Lancio (electric/acoustic guitars/mandolin), Kevin McKendree (keys), Greg Morrow (drums/percussion), Alison Priestwood (bass), Chris Cheney & Jade Macrae (bgv).
A 12pp stitched lyric insert is included. Cover photo courtesy of Jacqui van Staden. Color image courtesy of Steve’s website gallery. CD @ Amazon & https://stevelouw.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Steve Louw “Between Time” Double LP