Deep Dive: Why Freak Slug’s “If I Could” Is the Indie-Pop Track You’ve Been Missing

If you’ve been keeping an ear on the underground alternative scene, you already know Freak Slug—the project of Manchester-born artist Xenya Genovese—doesn’t really fit into a neat little box.

Ever since her debut album I Blow Out Big Candles, she’s carved out a very specific lane for herself. Now, with eyes on her upcoming sophomore record Amulet (dropping via Future Classic), her latest single “If I Could” is making some serious waves.

Let’s talk about what makes this track tick and why Genovese’s evolution is worth paying attention to.

Peeling Back the Layers on “If I Could”

Freak Slug has always been great at mixing hazy, nostalgic instrumentation with lyrics that hit a little closer to home than you expect. She’s never tried to sound overly polished or sterile; instead, her music keeps its raw, slightly jagged edges intact.

On “If I Could,” that approach really shines. The song leans into a kind of messy, honest vulnerability—featuring lines like “If I could, then I wouldn’t tell the truth…”—that pulls you right into her headspace.

What makes it work:

• The writing: Instead of relying on standard, overdone pop clichés, the lyrics feel like real, unfiltered thoughts.

• The vibe: It blends atmospheric indie-pop with subtle trip-hop textures, creating a groove that’s easy to get lost in.

• The vocals: Genovese keeps her delivery front and center without hiding behind excessive production tricks, giving the whole track a distinctly human pulse.

A Glimpse Into Amulet

“If I Could” gives us a solid taste of what to expect from Amulet. Alongside tracks like “Girl, Intentions,” the new project feels like Genovese stepping fully into her own as a producer and songwriter.

As she’s put it herself, this era is about having the creative breathing room to just be entirely herself—and you can hear that confidence translating into the music.

If you’re into artists who blend introspective, slightly melancholic songwriting with beats you can actually groove to, Amulet is shaping up to be a standout release.

Catch the Live Show

If you want to hear how these tracks translate outside of headphones, Freak Slug is hitting the road. She’s got a busy run of dates lined up, including an 18-date North American headline tour starting up this autumn.