I recently caught up with The Sleights, a punk rock band from Colorado Springs, following the release of their second full-length album, This One’s Gonna Hurt, which features 12 tracks of raw, guitar-driven punk. Their music tackles real-life issues—especially depression—in a way that feels deeply relatable. Inspired by their love for comfort food, I thought a Minnesota Hotdish—a simple, hearty meal anyone can make, topped with tater tots—was the perfect pairing for their emotionally honest sound.

The Sleights are finally hitting their stride with drummer Todd Morrison, who’s brought long-needed stability to the band. The Sleights are: Luke Blanton (vocals, guitar), Adam Huscher (guitar), Victor Carbonell (bass), and Todd Morrison (drums). After years of cycling through drummers, the band has finally found lasting chemistry with their current drummer. He’s been the missing link, helping solidify their sound and break the cycle of constantly starting over. For them, it’s never been about finding the most technically skilled musician—it’s about finding someone they genuinely get along with, and that connection shows in both their music and live performances. Frontman Luke Blanton, based in Colorado Springs, grew up in northern Wisconsin and discovered punk in 1998 during a student exchange in Germany, where he played in a band called Radiaton. Influenced by 90s punk and bands like The Lillingtons, Teenage Bottlerocket, and Face to Face, Luke’s writing is steeped in that era’s sound, something fans of 90s punk will recognize immediately. Following a back injury in 2024 for Luke, the band is making up for lost time this year. They’ve already played more shows than last year, with about 30 dates lined up. While they don’t tour traditionally anymore—no long 17-day runs—they focus on strategic, three-day shows every couple of months, hitting the best cities within a manageable travel range. 

These days, they’re gearing up to release their debut album, This One’s Gonna Hurt, on April 25 via Rad Girlfriend Records and What’s Left Records. Though the lyrics dive into heavy, emotional territory, the music leans into an upbeat, pop-influenced punk sound. Their latest single, “Already Gone”, featuring Jen Razavi of The Bombpops, captures that contrast perfectly, exploring themes of emotional distance in a relationship while keeping a catchy, energetic tone. Luke, who previously tour-managed The Bombpops across the U.S. and Europe, cites Jen as one of his favorite people to work with. Both are big fans of The Methadones, and the song’s title nods to Dan Vapid’s influence. 

 

 

Another standout track, “A Day in the Life”, reflects on youthful summers spent in Knob Hill, a gritty part of Colorado Springs known for band practice spaces and mischief. It captures how those chaotic, formative experiences shape you in life. What makes The Sleights special is their blend of heavy emotional themes with a bright, pop-punk sound—a mix that resonates with fans of 90s punk, myself included. Tough lyrics with poppy music. Their music delivers an honest message: life can be hard, but there’s always a way forward. 

 

 

The Sleights describe themselves as “lifers”—not in it for fame, but for the love of music. Though they’re no longer the youngest band on the block, their passion drives them to keep performing and expanding their reach. This year includes new stops like Montana, and they hope to tour Europe in the future. At the heart of their music is a message of resilience. Luke’s lyrics reflect his struggles with mental health, the importance of self-care, and the support of loved ones, particularly from his wife of over 20 years. The band wants listeners to know that even in hard times, there’s hope. The blend of somber lyrics with upbeat music offers a sign of a silver lining: things can get better if you keep moving forward. There’s always a silver lining. 

The big thing is it can get better if you just search forward. So keep trying.

Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Felipe Patino at Green Door Recordings in Denver, Colorado. This One’s Gonna Hurt is full of heartfelt, guitar-driven punk that hits with both power and purpose. It will be released digitally and on vinyl on Friday, April 25, via Rad Girlfriend Records and What’s Left Records. Be sure to check them out on all streaming platforms! 

THIS ONE’S GONNA HURT, ON APRIL 25
Pre-order on Bandcamp

 

 

When it comes to food, The Sleights are open to trying most foods. Luke, however, has more dietary restrictions—he’s a pescatarian and avoids avocados, grapes, and bananas. His ultimate comfort food sparks memories of his Midwest roots: a Minnesota Hotdish. It’s a hearty combo of ground beef, sometimes cheese, veggies, cream of mushroom soup, and tater tots—kind of like a shepherd’s pie, but with tater tots on top. The name “hotdish” is distinctively Minnesotan-other places would just call it casserole. Think cozy pub food or classic Lutheran potluck fare—there’s always at least two variations at any church basement gathering, and especially popular in Minnesota. 

Day to day, the band sticks to healthier options, usually veggie wraps with cheese—no surprise considering some with a Wisconsin upbringing, where cheese is a staple. Todd, the drummer, is from Missouri and has sampled just about every biscuits-and-gravy combo out there. Luke and fellow guitarist Adam both love spicy food. On a recent run through New Mexico, they were on the hunt for the best Christmas chili and always make time to hit up standout local spots. The whole band loves discovering unique restaurants on tour. Their top pick for Mexican food is Red Iguana in Salt Lake City, a legendary stop for touring bands. In Denver, they’ve got a go-to spot for killer breakfast burritos and sandwiches. They’re also big on hitting local sandwich shops wherever they go. 

For sweets, since quitting alcohol about a year and a half ago, Luke’s all about Sour Patch Kids and gummy candies. Todd’s snack choices are a throwback—he loves pudding cups and those old-school fruit cocktail packs in syrup, which the band jokes makes him seem like he’s living in the Cold War era. Their bassist, Victor, who’s Cuban, avoids spicy food and usually sticks to chicken fingers. But whenever they find a good Cuban spot, he’s all in, and so is Luke, especially if there’s strong coffee involved. Donuts are a huge hit with the band. Voodoo Donuts in Denver is a favorite, and they always make a stop in Portland, too. Boston cream is also a consistent go-to.

Given the band’s nostalgic ’90s vibe and Midwest background, the Minnesota Hotdish felt like the perfect tribute—simple, comforting, and a dish that brings people together. Check out the recipe below! 

 

 

Minnesota Hotdish Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 10-ounce cans of Cream of Mushroom Soup or one 22-ounce can if you can find it
  • 32-ounce bag of frozen tater tots
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 10-ounce bag of frozen peas
  • 1 10-ounce bag of frozen corn

 

 

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Heat the oil on medium heat in a skillet or deep saucepan. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until brown. Be sure to crumble the beef as you cook using a spatula or ground meat chopper.
  4.  Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Add the peas and corn to the beef mixture. Mix until well combined.
  6. In a 9×13 baking pan, evenly spread the beef mixture into the pan.
  7. Using a rubber spatula, spread the mushroom soup over the top of the beef mixture.
  8. Place tater tots on top of the soup and beef mixture in whatever pattern you prefer to ensure the dish is entirely covered with tater tots.
  9. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes until bubbly and the tater tots are golden brown and crispy on top.
  10. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy!