Slug is the solo project of British musician Ian Black, a former touring bassist for angular indie rockers Field Music and a fixture of the Sunderland area indie scene since the early 2000s. Mixing quirky, melodic guitar pop with art rock, '70s funk, and an array of other eclectic influences, Black recorded his debut in 2014 with help from Field Music brothers Peter and David Brewis, who co-produced the album. Rounding out the ensemble are guitarist Rhys Patterson and bassist Andrew Lowther. Slug's debut LP, Ripe, was released in April 2015 by British indie Memphis Industries. The follow-up, 2018's HiggledyPiggledy, departed from the debut in being a completely solo effort, with Black playing everything and producing as well. Inspired by the Residents and the Holy Mountain soundtrack, Black took a minimalist -approach to recordong that focused on drums and rhythm while lyrically detailing the Dadistic nature of modern life. ~ Timothy Monger