South African rock icon Steve Louw returns with his powerful new studio album Traces of the Flood, released worldwide today 15 May through The Orchard and BFD.

Produced by internationally acclaimed producer Kevin Shirley known for his work with Joe Bonamassa, Beth Hart and Joanne Shaw Taylor the album delivers a sweeping blend of rock, Americana, country-rock and blues storytelling.

Listen to the full album here please 

The title track, “Traces of the Flood,” arrives with a cinematic new music video and captures the vast spirit of the South African Karoo through themes of escape, redemption and self-discovery. 

Louw describes the song as a journey through storms, deserts, rivers and forgotten landscapes — a metaphorical road trip filled with renegades, dreamers and ghosts of the past.

Already receiving strong international praise, the album has been described by critics as “first-class songwriting with depth and emotion” and “a solid and strong rock album with melodic finesse.”

“Steve Louw is a first-class songwriter who writes with depth and emotion. I can’t recommend this album highly enough.” – Steve Yourglvch, Blues Matters

“An album with a solid and strong rock vibe throughout… effective keyboards and 
electric guitars provide melodic finesse.” –  John Whiting, R’N’R Magazine

“The overall vibe is one of heartfelt Americana featuring gorgeous country licks 
and a catchy, harmonised vocal coda.” – Simon Green, Blues in Britain

Widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most respected songwriters and guitarists, Louw once again teams up with Shirley in a musical partnership that stretches back decades. Traces of the Flood continues Louw’s acclaimed solo run following the success of Headlight Dreams, Thunder and Rain and Between Time.

The album also highlights Louw’s long-standing international collaborations and reputation within the global music industry. 

Over the years, he has recorded and performed alongside legendary artists including Brian May of Queen, Dave Stewart from Eurythmics, and Joe Bonamassa, while his earlier band Big Sky famously toured with and backed Rodriguez during the legendary South African tour documented in the Oscar-winning film Searching for Sugar Man.

A member of the South African Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Steve Louw remains one of the country’s most enduring and influential rock voices  and Traces of the Flood stands as another landmark chapter in a career spanning more than four decades.