Doomed Confessionary: Sarah, David & Max (Reeking Slug)
Photos by Brittany Bingham
Reeking Slug is a stoner/doom/punk trio from Reno, Nevada.
Formed in July 2022, Sarah LaBarge (bass, vocals) and David Berg (guitar, backing vocals) began riffing in a living room, evolving into Reeking Slug. Max Barber (drums) joined in early 2023, adding firepower to their sound.
By 2024, the band began playing shows locally and in 2025 into surrounding regions. They also opened for the legendary EyeHateGod at Cypress in Reno, NV.
Reeking Slug have released their debut EP »We Are The Wave« on July 16th, 2025. Available now on CD and all major digital platforms.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We consider ourselves to be stoner doom with a twist of punk and we’re based out of Reno, Nevada! Sarah LaBarge is on bass and vocals, David Berg is on guitars and backup vocals, and Max Barber is on drums.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
The biggest challenge we’ve faced so far was when we were trying to start recording our EP »We Are The Wave« because we were originally supposed to record in December of 2024 but then we all got sick around the time we had slotted, so then we had to push the recording back to February of ’25! Fun times!
What can you be most proud of so far?
We are proud of the many awesome shows we’ve gotten to play and recording our EP in the basement of our house where we practice.
What was your biggest regret?
Some silly regrets we have would include some on-stage hiccups like not having enough gain on the bass amp and accidentally stepping on the tuner pedal cutting out the guitars. Aside from that, nothing super major to note! We’ve been having a blast overall!
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Sarah: My favorite show we played was Sludge Saturday at the Audio Nerd Record Shop in Rocklin, CA. It was Reeking Slug’s first out-of-state show and it absolutely RIPPED! We played with Piss Baptism, Demonsmoke and Sky Pig! The show was intimate, super wholesome, and sold-out. Overall it was a great night and I will never forget it.
David: My favorite show has got to be the Alpine here in Reno, Nevada. It was a large stage for me to be silly on and play loud to a very engaged audience! The line up was a bunch of cool punk bands which is my style. Just good times and good vibes.
Max: I think for me, playing the very first Pizzava show in Sparks, NV was a serious highlight. Something about playing inside a pizza joint while the crowd were throwing down to some loud riffs and tossing pizza boxes around. It was incredibly wild and one of the more unique shows I’ve ever played! Certainly gave off similar energy to the viral “What the fuck is up Denny’s!?!?” video so we had to say “What the fuck is up Pizzava!?!?” when we played.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The surprising amount of positive reception we’ve received in our local scene and even outside of Reno. As a result of that, we’re also incredibly humbled by the amount of folks that have supported us since we’ve been playing out!
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Sarah: Chat Pile, BbyMutha, early Slipknot and Three 6 Mafia! I like the heavy grooves!
David: The Midnight, Anberlin, My Chemical Romance and a whole lot of Classical tunes.
Max: Lately for me I’ve been really vibing with the last Night Verses album. Anciients is always inspirational to listen to. The latest Pelican album has been hitting the spot as well.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Sarah: If you mess up on stage, find the groove and keep playing – don’t stop!
David: It doesn’t matter how good you are, just keep playing.
Max: It’s not about what you could’ve done on the previous recording, but what you can do better on the next one!
What are your guilty pleasures?
Sarah): Super CHEESY Romance Animes.
David: Generic emo music and the Twilight series.
Max: Honestly? Pink instruments whether it’s guitars or drums. I’m a HUGE fan of Pink Champagne Sparkle.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Reno?
Reno is a small town but the scene is mighty and shows great potential! People are passionate and we appreciate it!
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Here are our current upcoming dates!
Aug 16th @ Corrigan’s Lost Highway In Reno, NV
Sep 14th @ Boof Bin in Sun Valley, NV
Sep 27th @ Black Rabbit Mead in Reno, NV
Oct 11th @ Aces High Saloon in Salt Lake City, UT
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Going on a tour next year! Specifically in the Pacific Northwest and the Southwest if possible! Writing new tunes this winter and recording as well.
How can people best support your band?
Coming out to our shows and checking out our Bandcamp. We have some fun merch over there too!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We appreciate your support so much! It is crazy how many awesome people we have met over the past year and we look forward to making more friends on the road.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well