Freak Slug reveals plans for second album, Amulet

Amulet follows Freak Slug's debut album I Blow Out Big Candles (But With a Cherry on Top) released last year. "Girl, Intentions" arrives as the first single from the new work, and is described as a "grungy anthem" that turned into self-affirmation, inspired by the film Girl, Interrupted.

“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," Genovese explains of the track. "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. I've had no previous examples of Northern women from Manchester singing like this, so I decided that I want to fucking do it. I love singers with character in their vocals. It's about leaning into the quirks of your voice instead of trying to make it perfect."

Amulet was written across sessions in London and Los Angeles with longtime collaborator Dylan Neustadter. Genovese was first inspired to start writing the songs when she had a spiritual reading which brought up feelings she'd been carrying through her life since childhood, allowing her to confront inherited pain and look towards healing.

Though based on real feelings, the album follows the story of the life of a medieval healer persecuted for her wisdom, reflecting on the impact of violence against women, generational trauma, love, identity and the search for self-understanding. "This album is more me," Genovese says. "I've been able to have the space to just be myself. It's probably the most important body of work I've ever done. It's the best extension of myself that I've managed to capture up until this point."

Amulet artwork

Amulet tracklist