HMLTD – The Worm
A whiplash-inducing U-turn from the modern glam of their debut, The Worm puts the practical skills of HMLTD to the test
The Worm is the latest development in London art-rock outfit HMLTD’s descent into complete musical madness. This ambitious nine-track concept album opens with the sinister plainchant of Worm’s Dream, setting the precedent for the following 40 minutes by transporting the listener to a grotty medieval England terrorised by an almighty, transcendental, flesh-pink being – The Worm.
A whiplash-inducing U-turn from the modern glam of their debut album West of Eden, The Worm puts the practical skills of the band to the test. Combining menacing piano slams with brooding brass build-ups; archaic string work with maniacal Monty Python-inspired voiceovers; prophetic choirs with overzealous orchestral blasts, HMLTD craft a compelling pox-ridden world of their own and leave just enough room for some bewitching ballads and ethereal laments amongst the chaos.
Perhaps the most fascinating track on the album, Past Life (Sinnerman’s Song) borrows the iconic piano motif from Nina Simone’s Sinnerman to create an eclectic HMLTD-ified version of the High Priestess of Soul’s classic tune which fits in surprisingly well with their outlandish lyrical narrative. And as the optimistic final track Lay Me Down peters into the distance, we are left to ponder: What is the worm? Who is the worm? Am I the worm? Are you?
Listen to: Past Life (Sinnerman’s Song), Days, Saddest Worm Ever