Heartworms

Unsettling yet captivating, humorous but dark. Dystopian. That’s how many describe Heartworms: the new project launched by South London cult label Speedy Wunderground (which already brought us artists like black midi, Black Country New Road and more). 

Heartworms is the conduit for Jojo Orme’s entire identity: she lays down a purposefully discomforting challenge to the outside world, but she also affirms her own self through her passion for poetry (especially Ezra Pound, Dylan Thomas and John Keats) and for aviation. (Fun Fact: Heartworms just released her own airplane model!) 

Backed by a full live band, Heartworms’ performances are a masterclass in poise. Jojo tells theatre inspired her shows – punctuated by her intense stare – as a kick back against preconceived notions of ‘smallness’ and fragility as a female musician. On stage, her projection is the very antithesis: we see an artist who is big, powerful, in total control. 

“Her delivery is stern and confident yet deceptively sweet, luring you into the ominously gothic production; vampiric synths and an itching drumbeat are eventually engulfed in blown-out, gauzy guitars, encompassing Orme’s unflinching voice in a gloomy haze.” FROM SINGLE REVIEW BY “THE LINE OF BEST FIT”

“Defiant, goth-inspired post-punk that draws strength from the doubters” FROM SINGLE REVIEW BY “NME”