Big Special returns with gritty new single ‘SLUGLIFE’ after North American tour
Big Special has released their new single ‘SLUGLIFE,’ arriving January 7, 2026, via SO Recordings, following the Birmingham duo’s first-ever North American tour.
‘SLUGLIFE’ is built around a slow, deliberate pace that mirrors the song’s emotional weight, leaning into tension rather than release. The track foregrounds Joe Hicklin’s stark vocal delivery, paired with minimal, heavy instrumentation that emphasizes restraint and repetition. Lyrically, the single explores exhaustion, self-reproach, and the difficulty of regaining momentum after periods of hardship, framing stillness as both necessary and uncomfortable.
Vocalist Joe Hicklin describes the track plainly:
“A song about living low to the ground and going slow. Feeling guilt for needing a bit of time to pull yourself up by your boot straps. It’s about working through the self hate that can come through hard times.”
‘SLUGLIFE’ is available now on all streaming platforms.
We’ve covered BIG SPECIAL previously: ‘Dragged Up A Hill (And Thrown Down The Other Side),’ ‘Plaintive Native,’ and ‘God Save The Pony.’
Connect with BIG SPECIAL:
Stay up to date with The Daily Music Report’s latest music news & releases. Check out the most exciting and important music news here.
We’re an independent, ad-free music publication, and we rely on the support of readers like you to keep things running. If you enjoy what we do, consider buying us a beer—every contribution helps us stay focused on bringing you quality music news without the clutter.