Their story starts the same; it's the sound and the longevity that makes it interesting. Four teen boys with rockstar aspirations shirk all college-resume type obligations for hours spent jamming in back yards and basements. The Juhlin brothers, Gregg (bass) and Dag (guitar) met up with Al Paulson (guitar) and Mike Halston (drums) to give birth to The Slugs in March, 1983. With a slew of cover songs under their belt, The Slugs subscribed to the loud and fast trend of 70s hard rock, fused with a bit of the new rootsy pop that was hitting the scene. Paulson left for the West Coast soon after, leaving a dedicated trio whose debut single "Walking in Circles" moved the group toward more sophisticated songwriting.
The Slugs soon added lead singer Tristan Gallagher from Cambridge, England, who teamed up with Dag on songwriting. Though Gallagher left in 1985, the experience was fruitful in that they recorded originals under the guidance of producer Phil Bonnet
The now three-piece group hit the Chicago scene, beginning an alliance with Chicago's Pravada Records By 1990, the group had roped razor sharp guitarist Johnny L. into their ranks. After a decade of playing and two CDs to their name, The Slugs did not break up. They did not throw in the towel. But they came pretty damn close, as Dag left the group to join Poi Dog Pondering as lead guitarist. After a few spotlightless months, the remaining members regathered, ultimately deciding to record a new album (with Dag rejoining them), the result of which was 1999Ęs Junior.
The album is a mix of pop pleasure and grooves, with the occasional twinge of alt-country. Even more impressive than the recording is the fact that it happenedąon the rollercoaster that is the pop world, The Slugs have managed to hang on for the ride.
The Slugs are: Mike Halston (drums and percussion), Dag Jhlin (vocals, guitars, keyboards), greg Juhlin (bass, vocals), Johny L. (Guitars, pecussion, vocals)
For more information, visit their website: http://www.theslugs.com
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