South London’s rising star, Heartworms, has captivated fans once again with her hauntingly beautiful new single, ‘Extraordinary Wings’, offering an exciting glimpse into her upcoming debut album, ”Glutton for Punishment’, set to be released on February 7, 2025. Known for her ability to create evocative and cinematic soundscapes, Heartworms continues to establish herself as a powerful and unique voice in the alternative music scene with this latest release.
‘Extraordinary Wings’ is an eerily atmospheric, post-punk masterpiece that blends moody basslines and layered instrumentation with her ethereal vocals. The track explores themes of personal transformation and resilience, drawing on Heartworms’ fascination with flight and military imagery. Inspired particularly by Spitfires and the broader world of aviation, these motifs serve as metaphors for strength and transcendence. The “wings” in the track represent both literal and symbolic freedom, imbuing the song with emotional depth.
The accompanying music video, directed by Gilbert Trejo, amplifies this mood with stark, striking visuals captured in black-and-white film. A sense of isolation is heightened through the use of forest scenery, creating a narrative that is both haunting and beautiful. The video introduces one of its protagonists as “one of the many souls unjustly sacrificed in the name of war,” pulling viewers into Heartworms’ intricately crafted gothic world.
Her 2023 EP, ‘A Comforting Notion’, firmly established Heartworms as a rising talent in modern alternative music. The EP features a collection of tracks that highlight her signature punky style, blending raw energy with atmospheric soundscapes and deeply poetic lyricism. Songs like ‘Consistent Dedication‘ showcase her ability to craft sharp, dynamic arrangements, while tracks such as ‘Retributions of an Awful Life‘ delve into darker, introspective themes, reflecting her fascination with the tension between control and chaos. This is exemplified in lyrics like, “So much blood, the grass just glosses / Ready flags with crooked crosses.” Each track provides an immersive listening experience, pairing haunting melodies with richly textured instrumentation.
Heartworms, the stage name of musician Jojo Orme, has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting artists in the post-punk revival. Drawing inspiration from genre-defining acts like Joy Division and Bauhaus, she brings a contemporary edge to her music, making it feel both timeless and distinctively her own. Her gothic tones are complimented by her focus on real-life storytelling which has earned her a dedicated and loyal fanbase.
As she gears up to release ‘Glutton for Punishment’, Heartworms is also preparing for an extensive UK and European tour, including a major headline show at London’s iconic Electric Ballroom. With ‘Extraordinary Wings’ already garnering attention for its gothic beauty and raw emotion, it’s clear this is just the beginning of a remarkable journey. Heartworms is set to leave a unique mark on the music industry, and her new single stands as a testament to her creative vision and boundless potential which is something that feels fresh for this generation of artists.
Ticket information can be found here.
