Canadian songwriter and multi‑instrumentalist Doug Harrison, best known as the vocalist for Progressive Rock/Metal band Fen, returns with a new chapter of his solo project Slug Comparison. The project’s new single, “Tongue of the Hollow,” is the first preview of the upcoming EP “Cold in Cold out,” set for release on September 10, 2026.
“Tongue of the Hollow” began as an unexpected homage to Nirvana’s “Something in the Way.” Harrison noticed the similarity early in the writing process, but chose to embrace it, adding chord changes and letting the influence guide the song’s mood.
“As I was writing this song, I realized early on that the verse riff was way too similar to Nirvana’s “Something in the Way.” I could have abandoned the idea right there, but then I added a few chord changes (I don’t have Kurt’s gift for writing a song with only two chords), so I decided to keep going and let it be an homage. I was huge into Nirvana for a few years, so it made sense that my appreciation was coming out this way. As far as lyrics, I had no idea what “Something in the Way” was about, and that freed me to fumble my way down a different path, while staying true to the vibe of the original,” says Harrison.
Lyrically, the track tells the story of a bedridden apartment dweller nearing death, surrounded by cats who no longer understand why their owner can no longer care for them. His only solace comes at night, when the upstairs neighbour walks the creaking floorboards and sings. The result is a slow‑burning, melancholic piece that leans into Slug Comparison’s signature Dark, brooding, introspective, depressingly uplifting sound.
Listen to “Tongue of the Hollow” here: Spotify | Bandcamp
Slug Comparison‘s new EP “Cold in Cold Out” is a shift away from the electric, Rock‑forward production of his 2025 album “A Battle to the End Fought on the Edge of a Knife.” Instead, “Cold in Cold out” returns to the spacious, layered acoustic textures reminiscent of Fen’s “Trails Out of Gloom.”
“These songs rely more on mood than hooks. The instant gratification isn’t there. They’re slow release,” adds Harrison.
The EP’s six tracks dwell in depressive territory and are best experienced privately, in sequence, and through headphones. Harrison intentionally selected fragments with minimal Rock riffage, choosing the moody, unironic, humorless pieces that fit the EP’s emotional landscape.
While Slug Comparison is primarily a solo effort, collaboration for this EP with drummer Randall Stoll (Boulevard, KD Lang, Tom Cochrane) brought the songs to life in the studio, and Sheldon Zaharko added his own touch through mixing.
Overall, the EP blends personal, imagined, and semi‑imagined lyrical narratives, with a heavier emphasis on fictional storytelling than Harrison’s previous work.
Slug Comparison began when Doug Harrison realized he was writing more material than he could bring to Fen during the creation of their 2012 album “Of Losing Interest.” What started as overflow quickly became its own creative outlet, an environment where Harrison could develop songs independently, shaping every instrument and texture without needing to fit them into Fen’s framework.
“I started taking songs further and further on my own. Eventually I realized I couldn’t bring them to the band without dictating what people played. A solo project seemed like a good option,” explains Harrison.
After experiencing long stretches between releases, twelve years between Fen albums and six years between Slug Comparison records, Harrison challenged himself to write and record new material within a single year.
“It was a ton of work. But the experiment suggests I might be able to record all my songs before time runs out for me.” Harrison adds.
With roots that draw from Prog, Alt, and Grunge, Slug Comparison is recommended for fans of Nirvana, Puscifer, Katatonia, Porcupine Tree, The Pineapple Thief, Fen, and Mark Lanegan.
“Cold in Cold Out” marks Harrison’s tenth recording across Fen and Slug Comparison, and his most mood‑driven, acoustic‑layered work in years.
Due out on September 10th, 2026, the EP is available for Pre-Order on Bandcamp: https://slugcomparison.bandcamp.com/album/cold-in-cold-out
Tracklist:
01. Tongue of the Hollow (4:01)
02. To Whom Would You Answer (3:47)
03. Back to the World (4:03)
04. Burden of Life (4:44)
05. Cold in Cold out (5:31)
06. No Healer (4:36)