Freak Slug is the musical project of Xenya Geneovese, hailing from Manchester, England. A multi-disciplined artist, Genovese started as a painter and visual artist while her musical endeavors were done privately, confined to her laptop. She released her debut EP as Freak Slug in 2021 and has released two more EPs since then. November of last year saw the release of Freak Slug’s debut LP, I Blow Out Big Candles, via Future Classic.
Having played a pair of shows in New York this past December, Freak Slug returned to headline the Bowery Ballroom on April 2nd as the final show of a North American tour in support of I Blow Out Big Candles (But With A Cherry On Top), the deluxe expanded edition of the debut LP. Joining Genovese as the Freak Slug live band was Nico Thomsen on guitar, Alex Martin on bass, and Caitlin Mounteer on drums. The Bowery Ballroom stage was adorned with a large black banner with “Freak Slug” in a white, gothic font.
Opening the show with the first track off of I Blow Out Big Candles, “Ya Ready,” Freak Slug deftly demonstrated the new album’s grungy influences and an air of effortless coolness. Older, more jangly indie pop material from previous EPs were sprinkled throughout the setlist, much to the delight of longtime fans. Consistent throughout the evening was Genovese’s dreamy vocals, which even suited their lone cover song of the set, “Disorder” by Joy Division.
Continue below for a full gallery of photos of Freak Slug and opening act Huron John as well as the Freak Slug setlist:
Huron John
Freak Slug
Freak Slug setlist:
Ya Ready
Get Away
Be Your Girl
Friday
Care
Sexy Lemon
Witch
Disorder [Joy Division cover]
Radio
Underwater
Hello Beer
Liquorice
Killer
Encore:
Spells
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