Flat Worms – Flat Worms

Flat Worms raced out of the gate last year with their blistering 7'' EP, which featured the scorching track Red Hot Sand. When you check out their pedigree, it’s unsurprising that the LA post-punk trio can write one hell of a tune – the group consists of guitarist/singer Will Ivy (Dream Boys / Wet Illustrated), drummer Justin Sullivan (currently of Kevin Morby) and bassist Tim Hellman (currently of OCS, formerly Ty Segall).

Now, Flat Worms have quickly assembled a debut LP, released on the ever-reliable California-based label Castle Face Records. They open with the choppy pop-punk Motorbike, which like the majority of the songs here clock in at less than three minutes in length. The group maintain this frenetic pace throughout the record, while scarcely drawing breath (which might account for Ivy’s exaggeratedly monotone delivery).

All of the tracks are cut from the same raucous cloth, but with enough variation and neat hooks to keep things interesting. The squealing, feedback-doused Accelerated is a high point, but the ominous Red Hot Sand – the album closer – still remains Flat Worms’ songwriting benchmark. All up, it’s an energetic, accomplished debut from a group of highly-seasoned musicians, making Flat Worms an emerging outfit with a fuck-tonne of punked-up potential.

Listen to: Accelerated, Red Hot Sand, 11816