Since their 2023 debut single Dirt, Meanjin alt-rock quintet Worm Girlz have wriggled their way into the hearts of fans across the country with scorching guitar riffs, dramatic vocal harmonies and a larger-than-life live show. Following recent national tours with Crywank (UK) and WAAX, the band have released their anticipated, self-titled debut album.
Navigating themes of body dysmorphia, calling out predatory behaviour and being unapologetically authentic, Worm Girlz tackle each topic with brutal honesty – a trait that has seen their tight-knit community grow significantly with each release. Recorded entirely with longtime collaborator and trusted producer Lucas Montgomery, the album is as introspective as it is celebratory – combining quick wit and wry humour with pent up ferocity.
On the album, the band share: “This is for the wormz, girlz, gayz and theyz. We are so honoured by the beautiful community that has formed around our music. We dedicate this album to the wormz who came before us; the transgender community, people of colour, drag queens, and of course the rest of the LGBTQIA+ community, who have all fought throughout history to make the world a better place.”
“Writing these songs felt not only cathartic but also just… right. These messages have been brewing in us forever, waiting to be tapped into. While writing, we were able to play into each other’s strengths and bring these stories to life through our love for music and each other.”
Anchored by the commanding rhythm section of Angie Gale and Nikolai Bray, the shredding guitars of Isabella Wood-de-Melo and the soaring twin vocals of Jade Montgomery and Lauren Rowe, ‘Worm Girlz’ is a determined statement filled with favourites that have won over crowds at Laneway Festival, BIGSOUND and plenty more.
Finding comfort in the uncomfortable topics, the band call out narcissists in Go Fishing and deliver a scathingly hilarious warning against the male gaze in Don’t, while also allowing many moments of raw vulnerability. Quieter tracks like Not My Body explore the struggles of feeling uncomfortable in your own skin, while recent single Seventeen is a deeply personal and frustrating tale of predators in the music industry.
Equally as important is the band’s dedication to their visual output, which has seen them crowned as Rage’s Wild One feature for cult-classic Jackie and triple J Unearthed NIDA competition winners for Seventeen. With each stirring music video or themed photo shoot, the worm universe continues to expand – creating an immersive, colourful dirt patch for the weird and wonderful to thrive.
Worm Girlz is a project built on independent blood, sweat and tears. As vocalist Lauren puts it: “This project is a labour of love: love for each other, love for music, love for ourselves and love for all the little wormiez we get to meet along the way!”
To celebrate this milestone, Worm Girlz will take their epic live show across the country for headline dates in Naarm/Melbourne, Meanjin/Brisbane and Gadigal/Sydney – bringing together one of the most celebrated and loved music communities in the country – tckets on sale now.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
Friday 14th November – Lulie Tavern, Naarm/Melbourne VIC
Saturday 15th November – Blute’s Bar, Meanjin/Brisbane QLD
Friday 5th December – Oxford Art Factory, Gadigal/Sydney NSW
With thanks to Habit Music
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