For those seeking an antidote to the radio-tailored, Mumford and Sons purgatory that befalls most folk music, read on: Langhorne Slim and The Law are coming to Eugene.
Langhorne Slim’s work has been lauded by several big leaguers. In 2008, The Guardian called him “one of the greatest live acts.” Rolling Stone deemed his 2012 album The Way We Love with backing band The Law “damn near perfect.” Even Conan O’Brien is a self-proclaimed obsessive for Slim and the Law, and joined them for a performance of “Found My Heart.”
Slim and The Law first played together on 2012’s The Way We Move (which was actually Slim’s fourth album) – a blazingly confident breakup album with swagger and a chin held high. The vibrant, energizing “The Way We Move” and the spirited closer “Past Lives” are quintessential examples.
Slim and his backing band The Law have a handcrafted, blues-grounded folk sound that would be irrefutable when performed live. Despite facetiously knocking Mumford and Sons earlier, some of the same DNA (banjo plucking, hand-clapping, rollicking arrangements) can still be found throughout Slim’s music, especially the mesmeric track “Strangers” off the band’s newest The Spirit Moves.
The Spirit Moves is Slim and The Law’s second album together. It will be released on August 7 on Dualtone Records. Three days prior, the band will perform in Eugene at Hifi Music Hall. Based on what can be gleaned from the band’s music videos, odds are strong that Slim will wear a fashionable hat.
Langhorne Slim & The Law will play in Eugene on Tuesday, August 4 at Hifi Music Hall. The show is 21+. Tickets are $15. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Show begins at 9 p.m.
Listen to “Strangers” by Langhorne Slim and The Law off The Spirit Moves below.
