Photos & Review: The UK’s Freak Slug casts her spell at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles

The makings of a great concert and a memorable night out include three things:

1.) music that gets people moving.

2) a killer concert venue and engaged fans.

3) great banter from the performers.

These all described Saturday’s performance by the UK’s groovy girl Freak Slug (aka Xenya Genovese), with support by Midwest multimedia media artist Huron John.

Dressed like a Sanderson Sister from Hocus-Pocus, Freak Slug entranced the crowd with her “Killer” “Spells” and nostalgic dream pop. Her sultry vocals over the band’s slow, grooving guitar riffs and hypnotizing drums set the vibe right. It was nonstop jams with a pinch of sly smiles, a potent dose of bedroom eyes, and a dash of TRL nostalgia. All these elements only added to the magic of Freak Slug’s cool yet enchanting performance.

A labrador retriever was chilling at the bar in a T-shirt at the show’s end as the crowd continued to talk about their new favorite songs and how they couldn’t wait to meet Freak Slug.

Chatter for opening act Huron John was also abuzz. Fans expressed how they are downloading “Yoko” by ASAP after watching him play the guitar, sing, and mix live on stage.

There’s a reason Grimy Goods says Freak Slug is an artist to watch. Genovese has all the makings of your new favorite indie icon. With a debut album and a few EPs full of nonstop grooves, I’ve had Freak Slug’s growing catalog on repeat since I saw her performance.

What a great way to be free and forget the worries, even for just a couple of hours. Also, Freak Slug’s shows was a special way to celebrate Women’s Day.

Photos & Words by Asha Moné