Photos and review by: Jason Robey
CHARLOTTE, NC — With the end in sight of their extended tour celebrating the 10th anniversary of their debut album Of Course You Do, indie rock trio Slothrust brought an electrifying performance to a sold-out crowd at Snug Harbor in Charlotte. The intimate venue buzzed with anticipation as fans gathered to celebrate a decade of the band’s unique sound and introspective lyrics.
Portland, Maine trio Weakened Friends opened the night with a passionate and emotionally driven 45-minute set. Fronted by vocalist/guitarist Sonia Sturino, the band brought raw, honest energy to the stage, taking several opportunities to engage with the the audience between songs. Their music clearly struck a chord with fans, with many singing along to songs like “Quitter” and “Peel.” Bassist Annie Hoffman—who did double duty by also playing with Slothrust—stood out for her highly energetic presence, showing the range and connection she brings to both bands.
Slothrust opened their set with a handful of songs from across their discography, including fan favorites “Cranium” and “Peach,” before launching into a full performance of Of Course You Did. From the high-energy opener “7:30 AM” to the intricate, two-part “Magnets” suite, each track was met with excitement as the crowd sang along word for word. Lead vocalist and guitarist Leah Wellbaum held the spotlight with a magnetic stage presence and a deeply expressive performance that kept the audience locked in.
After completing the album performance, Hoffman played an unexpected bass cover of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” complete with Wellbaum attacking the crowd with a bubble gun. The group’s homestretch mix of other live staples included a playful cover of Ginuwine’s “Pony,” adding a touch of humor and surprise to the evening and a closing performance of “Planetarium.” The chemistry between Wellbaum, Hoffman, and drummer Will Gorin was evident, creating a dynamic and engaging performance that left the audience wanting more.
The anniversary tour for Of Course You Do is winding down, watch for both bands to return to the road on their social media, and for a new album by Weakened Friends later this year.