Swamp Thing

Eugene’s The Sawyer Family has been crafting blistering tales of death, murder and suffering since 2001. The psychobilly-cum-swampy-stoner-metal act has seen lineup changes, growing pains and years of touring since its early rockabilly days, elevating themselves into a genre-defying monster.

As tends to happen at home, though, this act often goes unnoticed.

On the road, however, The Sawyer Family is a force to be reckoned with. Having performed more than 400 shows, hitting nearly every state since 2009, the boys have rubbed elbows with bands like Mondo Generator, Koffin Kats and more. Catching the ear of Grammy-nominated producer John Custer (Corrosion of Conformity), they began work on their fourth full-length album, simply titled Sawyer Family.

The latest LP is something of a new beginning, the first to showcase their revamped sound with bassist Zach Sawyer at the helm instead of previous frontman Seth Sawyer (of Beast of Eden). The result is a viciously tight-riff rockin’ affair, as well as a nearly flawless introduction to the second era of one of Eugene’s most unique and underrated acts.

Hear The Sawyer Family’s new album live along with local grunge metal act Dirtclodfight and punkers Xboyfriends 9:30 pm Saturday, Aug. 29, at Old Nick’s Pub; $5. 21-plus.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!