“What Can I Do” is a no-holds-barred introduction to Heartworms’ beguiling post-punk

“What Can I Do” is a unique concoction of Heartworms' frontwoman Jojo Orme’s eclectic influences and ideas: her sullen, wry manner evokes that of a young Fiona Apple, while the unpredictably off-kilter grooves her words ricochet off could find a home in any of A Certain Ratio’s records over the years. 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.

The track builds on the sardonic spoken-word she contributed to “Take One for the Family”, her lockdown collaboration with Dan Carey, continuing to conjure apocalyptic imagery through her eery epiphanies: “It amends and self-destructs / Such an end to hours of love / A machine will have its wires / And a way to start a fire”. As the mastermind behind the Heartworms project, Orme’s distinctive artistic vision shines through here and proves to be captivating.

Having already performed a number of sets at Windmill Brixton pre-pandemic, Heartworms follow some of the most exciting new talent to emerge from the South London music scene amongst Black Country, New Road, Goat Girl, and PVA. It’s an ever-expanding list of incredible bands, but “What Can I Do” has assured Heartworms stand out as one to watch.