Tracy Hyman discovers influences from the 50s to the 80s on art rock artist Slug’s new album
Daylight Saving Records
Released: 20.01.23
Never one to stand still, Slug’s Ian Black set himself a new challenge in making Thy Socialite!, the first release from Field Music’s new record label Daylight Saving Records. Wanting to be less indie, Black combines elements of ZZ Top and Toto and mixes them with rock and art pop. The result is a fun, theatrical offering.
There are influences from the 50s to the 80s, glam rock and stage musical aesthetics, all firmly rooted in Slug’s unique art rock sound. It is playful, yet heartfelt. Opening track Insults Sweet Like Treacle, a tribute to the late Dave Harper, is full of riffs and glam rock stylings with a catchy lyrical refrain, while Honestly Subjective ‘Bout Your Own Thing could come straight from the West End. A complex delight of sounds.