Freak Slug Announces Sophomore Album Amulet and North American Tour Dates

• Rainbow_Rocks
• August 22, 2026
• Entertainment
• #Amulet, #ColumbusOhio, #FreakSlug, #FutureClassic, #IndependentJournalism, #IndieRock, #MusicReview, #NewMusic, #RainbowRocks, #TourDates, LGBTQIA+
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Written and Photographed by LGBTQIA Independent+ News Reporter — Kyle Williams — Rainbow Rocks — RainbowRocks.space — August 22nd, 2026

Following the success of her acclaimed debut album I Blow Out Big Candles, Manchester-born artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Freak Slug (Xenya Genovese) is returning with her striking second full-length record, Amulet, arriving September 18th via Future Classic. Accompanying the album announcement is her brooding, grunge-tinged single and video “Girl, Intentions,” a track that sets the tone for a darker, more deeply realized body of work.

An Affirmation of Self and Sound

“Girl, Intentions” began as a song written for someone else before transforming into a powerful affirmation of self, drawing thematic inspiration from the cult classic film Girl, Interrupted. On the new record, Genovese leans heavily into her roots, embracing her Manchester accent more openly than ever and rejecting polished neutrality in favor of raw character. Channeling the vocal ethos of hometown legends ranging from Oasis and The Smiths to The Libertines and Arctic Monkeys, she leans directly into the natural quirks of her delivery.

Describing the creative heartbeat behind the new music, Genovese shares:

“This first single off my upcoming album Amulet explores the inner turmoil of a woman, with the feminine often represented by the moon as darkness. It’s an ode to myself – feeling the presence and power of one’s soul, dark and light, and seeing in yourself what nobody else can see until you show them what you’re capable of.”

Across Amulet, Genovese expands on the strange, intimate sonic world she has built since breaking through with her 2020 viral track “Radio.” While her early work balanced bedroom pop with hazy 90s alternative influences, this sophomore collection ventures into grittier territory, matching washed-out guitars and driving rhythms with sharp, poetic lyricism.

Music Review: Freak Slug — “Girl, Intentions” (Amulet)

The Vibe & Sound:

“Girl, Intentions” serves up a brooding, grunge-tinged masterclass in 90s alternative revival. Built on a foundation of fuzzy, washed-out guitars, slacker rock energy, and heavy atmospheric tension, the track marries hazy textures with an undeniable, driving grit.

Lyrical Themes & Vocal Performance:

Lyrically, the song acts as a fierce declaration of self-affirmation and an exploration of feminine inner turmoil. Rejecting pristine, over-produced pop standards, Genovese leans entirely into her unfiltered Manchester accent and vocal quirks. The result is a raw, character-led performance that feels both deeply personal and uncompromisingly defiant.

Production & Delivery:

Trading polished perfection for unbridled soul, Freak Slug delivers a track that captures the light and dark elements of the human experience. It’s a compelling, atmospheric preview of Amulet—proving that leaning into your authentic voice creates the most striking art of all.

Amulet North American Tour Dates

Catch Freak Slug live on the road this fall as she brings her new material across North America:

• October 23 — Vancouver, BC — The Fox Cabaret
• October 24 — Seattle, WA — Neumos
• October 25 — Portland, OR — Polaris Hall
• October 27 — Sacramento, CA — The Starlet Room
• October 28 — San Francisco, CA — The Independent
• October 30 — West Hollywood, CA — The Roxy Theatre
• October 31 — Riverside, CA — Farm House Collective
• November 1 — Henderson, NV — Grey Witch
• November 3 — Santa Ana, CA — Constellation Room
• November 11 — Washington, DC — The Atlantis
• November 13 — Philadelphia, PA — Ukie Club
• November 14 — Brooklyn, NY — Elsewhere
• November 15 — Cambridge, MA — The Sinclair
• November 16 — Montreal, QC — Bar Le Ritz
• November 18 — Toronto, ON — Longboat Hall
• November 19 — Detroit, MI — Lager House
• November 20 — Chicago, IL — Lincoln Hall
• November 22 — Mexico City, MX — Corona Capital Music Festival