From just hearing the dreamy chords on “Radio,” it’s abundantly clear that Manchester singer-songwriter Freak Slug has already carved out a corner within the gradually growing indie-pop sphere—one that has led to a career steadily expanding overseas, which includes a debut album, I Blow Out Big Candles, and a U.S. and EU tour including a show in LA at Lodge Room on March 8. Despite just releasing her debut album at the end of the year, Freak Slug is already back with a new single for 2025 titled “Licorice.”
Before garnering a fast-growing audience online, Xenya Genovese, who goes by Freak Slug, started as a visual artist. For a time, she studied in Barcelona before returning to the UK. There, she began examining files and hard drives on her computer, realizing she wanted to pursue music instead, which led to a quickly blossoming discography.
Genovese found a formula early on that helped propel her from a crowd of similar artists. “Radio,” in particular, blew up on TikTok and catapulted Genovese out of the atmosphere, garnering more attention around Videos. That 2020 EP showed early promise for her brand of indie-pop, which induces nostalgia for a time that takes the reverb of the late 20th century and the lo-fi production of today.
More recently, I Blow Out Big Candles sees her take a few steps away from the lo-fi sound she thrived in during Videos, experimenting with abrasive energy and genres such as grunge that aren’t always associated with indie-pop.
While Genovese is still staying true to her familiar, softly sung vocal style, songs like “Spells” push the needle for what could be done within lo-fi. The screech at the start sets the tone for the rest of what quickly becomes an unpredictable track, switching between calmer portions that help build up to the suspense released by a distorted guitar overloaded with amps.
On the other hand, “Piece Of Cake” settles for a more laidback energy that still features moments of abrasive action. It’s also an early accomplishment for Genovese in terms of songwriting, where she sings about leaving behind a potential partner despite him being eye candy to her.
Her self-assuredness carries over to the music itself, making for confident releases that further distinguish Freak Slug from similar artists. That aspect is also what makes I Blow Out Big Candles an aptly titled release for Genovese.
Words: David Sosa
I Blow Out Big Candles by Freak Slug is out on streaming services. For more on new music and tickets to upcoming tour dates, including an LA show at Lodge Room on March 8, follow her on Instagram and Bandcamp.
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