Slug

Slug serves as the solo outlet for British musician Ian Black, who previously worked as a touring bassist with angular indie rockers Field Music and has remained a steady presence in the Sunderland area indie scene since the early 2000s. His sound blends quirky, melodic guitar pop with art rock, '70s funk, and a range of additional eclectic influences. Black cut his debut in 2014, enlisting Field Music brothers Peter and David Brewis as co-producers. Guitarist Rhys Patterson and bassist Andrew Lowther completed the lineup for those sessions. Slug issued the resulting debut LP, Ripe, in April 2015 through British indie Memphis Industries. The 2018 follow-up, HiggledyPiggledy, marked a clear shift by consisting entirely of a solo effort in which Black performed every part and handled production duties himself. Drawing inspiration from the Residents and the Holy Mountain soundtrack, he adopted a minimalist approach to recording that centered on drums and rhythm while addressing the Dadistic nature of modern life through the lyrics.