The Return of Freak Slug: Why 'Honest Man' is the Anthem Your Broken Heart Needs

Manchester's Lo-fi Queen

With "Honest Man," Freak Slug Continues to Redefine Indie

Freak Slug, the musical project of Manchester-born artist Xenya Genovese, has become a standout figure in the lo-fi indie scene. Originally a visual artist, she found a more immediate creative outlet in music, gaining viral attention with her 2020 hit "Radio" from the EP Videos. Her early work was known for its sun-drenched, LA-inspired feel, but always had a grittier, grunge edge, which she fully embraced on her 2024 debut album, I Blow Out Big Candles.

Collaborating with Jadu Heart's Alex Headford, the album showcased a raw, unpolished sound, blending slacker-rock with her poetic, often cheeky, songwriting. Now signed to the forward-thinking label Future Classic, Freak Slug continues to evolve. Her latest single, "Honest Man," from the upcoming EP Loose Tooth And A Short Skirt, is a prime example of her unique style. Recorded in LA after a breakup, the track channels raw emotion into a mix of acoustic guitar, synths, and distorted guitars, even featuring a voice sample of her father. As a self-described "introverted extrovert," Genovese makes music for "impatient people," filling her songs with dynamic shifts and captivating details that keep listeners hooked. She continues to carve out a unique space where emotional vulnerability and punk irreverence create a perfectly chaotic blend.

Follow Freak Slug on IG at @freakslug