Freak Slug – The Tuning Fork: October 21, 2025 (Concert Review)
Manchester-born indie artist Freak Slug (Xenya Genovese) and her band Caitlin Mounteer (Drums), Alex Martin (Bass) Nico Thomsen (Guitars/Samples) braved wild weather, a cancelled plane flight, nine-hour drive and some last minute technical glitches to bring their art to the waiting Auckland fans.
A prolific writer of songs and self-taught musician Freak Slug has quickly gained global recognition in the indie scene with her evolution from 2020’s lo-fi bedroom viral pop Radio to grunge-infused shoegaze on her debut album, I Blow Out Big Candles (2024), which is basically the vibe glow-up, impulsive lyricism and dreamy melodies smashed into gritty distorted guitar chaos.
Known for her playful, chaotic energy and North England authenticity, Freak Slug cites influences as varied as Mazzy Star, Pavement, Ride, Brian Johnstown Massacre, Joy Division. Her reimagining of the later band’s iconic Disorder drew accolades and brought her to attention of a wider audience.
Jude Kelly.
Opening the night was local singer Jude Kelly, I last saw Jude in March when she opened for Irish band Amble, since then she has released her EP The Seven Spirits of Her and her performance tonight demonstrated a growing complexity in her singing and songwriting with multiple layers and vocals that ranged from sultry to soaring.
Her set started with Monster Truck followed by a standout Siren Song and Lucky before her brother Levi joined her for Like You and Clarence, the central song to her recent EP.
Freak Slug
The Tuning Fork provided a fan friendly setting for Freak Slug’s Auckland debut. The lighting was minimal and sympathetic to the music, while the sound leaned toward raw grunge and punky textures—guitars roaring, vocals slightly buried, echoing her DIY roots. The crowd was highly attentive, responding with enthusiasm and matching the band’s energy as the night developed.
The set bursts open with Ya Ready, a brooding track that morphs into a wall of distortion live, turning the studio’s slow-burn tension into an urgent, gritty statement of intent. Playful and cheeky, Sexy Lemon thrives on Britpop swagger but grungier live.
Freak Slug stretches the groove, turning the track into a danceable anthem. Minimalist on record, Get Away becomes a bass-heavy powerhouse on stage. Radio – by comparison was a nostalgic singalong bridging old and new, followed by Underwater , a searing Blue Eyes and a stunningly superb Honest Man.
Miss June leads the way to the back end of the set, Hello starts with jangly dream-pop tones then pivots into a dirgy, distortion-soaked middle section. Disorder provides the anchor for the last part of the show followed quickly by one of the strongest songs on the night, Liquorice, a powerful rocky Killer and closing with Spells hypnotic bassline and extended distortion-drenched outro creating a dark, immersive finale.
The band is described as family by Freak Slug and showed a strong sense of connectivity and understanding on the night. Caitin (drums) is phenomenal all set, Alex brings pounding yet sassy bass, while Nico brings it all together with technical ease. Freak Slug holds the audience’s attention from center stage. Her delivery was magnetic and natural reflecting the emotions that underpin her songwriting. Highlights included Honest Man, Liquorice, Killer and Spells.
A unique mixture of intimacy and rock energy, the gig felt like a personal statement—Freak Slug saying, ‘I’m here to smash things up and make you feel something.’ Freak Slug’s Auckland gig was a reminder that there is a future for artists who build imperfection into their art. A gifted storyteller and engaging live performer, Freak Slug ultimately presents and impresses as a gifted painter of words.
There is something of an authentic old school rock work ethic reflected in both the night’s performance and the dedication of travelling nine hours to meet your commitment to your craft and to your fans.
John Hastings
Click on any image to view a photo gallery by Ming:
Freak Slug:
Jude Kelly:
