Emerging onto the scene with a confident and compelling statement, The Glowworms—a London and LA-based recording project featuring Dov Sikowitz, Sam Hodder, Dan Fawcett, Cass Begg, and George Lavender—have unveiled their debut EP, W.O.D (Worm or Die). Operating on an axis between stories and hymns, the five-piece blend continental influences into a sound that is immediately warm, full of colour, and refreshingly sincere.
The EP lands somewhere between the organic lushness of folk and the driving distortion of indie-rock. From the outset, The Glowworms establish a signature atmosphere that is both hazy and richly textured. This distinct sonic identity is achieved through saturated instrumentals tied together by unexpected, beautiful elements: the swell of strings and the distinctive shimmer of the steel guitar, weaving cello lines through conventional arrangements of electric guitar and drums. The result is an immersive, DIY sound that manages to feel both haunting and familiar.
W.O.D showcases the band’s impressive versatility by moving effortlessly between moods and styles. Each track offers something distinct yet cohesive. The EP is introduced by the standout singles, ‘hand’ and ‘cally park’, which offered the first glimpses into the band’s growing world.
The record burns with powerful, cathartic moments—true "wall of sound" expressions—on tracks like the propulsive ‘Cally Park’ and ‘Trenchcoat’. These bold, driving cuts contrast beautifully with the more intimate, delicate flicker found on songs such as ‘Hand’ and ‘You Do Not Matter.’ This dynamic range prevents the EP from settling into any one mood, instead offering a full emotional experience.
Evocative of the early 2000s indie-rock architecture of acts like Broken Social Scene and Wilco, The Glowworms draw on a lineage of expansive, earnest songwriting. However, they also share a contemporary resonance with artists such as Indigo De Souza and Buck Meek, embracing their influences while diligently pursuing a signature sound that feels distinctly their own.
The thematic heart of W.O.D lies in its sincerity. The songs feel "lived-in," compiling evocative scenes of past lives, new homes, and memories of dead friends. This is not just a collection of tracks; The Glowworms' debut EP is a cohesive portrait of trying—of navigating transience and embracing the complex emotional landscape that comes with building a life between two continents.
With just three singles preceding this release, The Glowworms have quickly begun carving out a significant presence on London’s live circuit, culminating in a recent performance at Brixton’s Windmill, a cornerstone venue for rising acts. With the release of W.O.D, The Glowworms introduce themselves as one of the most exciting new names to watch in the city’s burgeoning indie underground, offering an alternative sound that is simultaneously atmospheric, bold, and genuinely fresh. The Glowworms are definitely a band ready to take their confident next steps.
The Glowworms' debut EP, W.O.D (Worm or Die), is available now.