Having previously released an EP and a few singles, London group Heartworms are finally putting out their debut album, which like everything else they’ve made so far, was produced by Dan Carey who runs their label, Speedy Wunderground. First single “Warplane” sounds like a million bucks, danceable modern post-punk with a Wagnerian sense of drama that also highlights bandleader Jojo Orme’s interest in military history.
Formidable South London auteur Heartworms released her highly anticipated debut album “Glutton For Punishment” – out 7th February on Speedy Wunderground.
“Glutton For Punishment” combines the propulsive, motorik tendencies of gothic stalwarts Depeche Mode, with the lyrical dexterity of PJ Harvey, and the off-kilter rhythms of LCD Soundsystem into a powerful sonic onslaught that is entirely Heartworms. “With my EP, people kind of pigeonholed me into post-punk,” she says. “I was like, ‘Cool, I can do that, but I can also do way more’ – I can do post-punk, but I can also be poppy and catchy, and this album represents that. I think people might be surprised when they hear it.”
Heartworms’ debut EP “A Comforting Notion” was subject to critical acclaim from the likes of The Sunday Times, Dazed, The FADER, The Quietus, Loud And Quiet, The Line Of Best Fit, So Young Magazine, and many more. The EPs singles were added to the BBC Radio 6 Music playlist following widespread support across the station, as well as spot plays from Radio X’s John Kennedy, and BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders and Gemma Bradley.
Earlier this year Heartworms supported The Kills in the US, St Vincent in the UK (which included the Royal Albert Hall), and Jack White at London’s Islington Assembly Hall. She also played her biggest headline show to date at a sold out Village Underground in November last year.
Things I said to myself in the first 15 minutes of encountering this band, their album art and promo image, and the first few tracks: “Is this a metal band?” “Oh! No, this is synth pop.”
“Wait, nope, listen to those guitars, this is an indie rock band.” “Wait I think this is actually a post-punk band in disguise!”
“Ooh, it’s not a band at all, it’s one woman [whose name is Jojo Orme] doing everything!”
“This is a debut!??” The album’s quite a ride, and I highly recommend it. Highlights: “Warplanes,” “Jacked,” “Mad Catch”
The Fat Angel Sings 