Broken families, broken relationships and the chaotic nature of the human mindset… Jojo Orme’s debut album under her Heartworms moniker covers it all. Produced by Dan Carey and released on his Speedy Wunderground label on 7 February, the songs find Jojo looking back on her fractured relationship with her mother and the images of human suffering that our beamed into our homes on a regular basis.
‘In the Beginning’ is a 41-second introduction to the album that beautifully segues into the more industrial ‘Just to Ask a Dance’. Bringing to mind Chvrches and Nine Inch Nails with its gothic beats, it finds Jojo saying ‘All I want to do is dance’ as she tries to capture the attention of a potential suitor.
‘Mad Catch’ is a slice of wonky pop with spoken-word moments and a powerful question of ‘Where’s the magic?’ – while also touching upon the evils of ‘misogynistic ecstasy’ – before ‘Extraordinary’ delves into a Gary Numan-style electro sound.
‘Celebrate’ veers into an anthemic alternative rock sound with touches of Bambara before the almost seven-minute ‘Smugglers’ opens with hypnotic hooks and shoegazey vibes as Jojo pleads for change before the title track closes the album. The words ‘I’m so shy, it pains me to ask you to save me’ are softly delivered over emo-tinged hooks.
‘Glutton for Punishment’ is a record packed with powerful stories you’ll want to treasure…
