Slime Punk with attitude - essential listening!
Joburg punkers WORMS released their first tidbit of grubby and raw Punk Rock slime on 5th November 2025, to all platforms except Spotify, as a sign of protest against the military industrial complex. They say “All streaming platforms have their issues, but this is the initial boycott the band is making for now.”
The 4 track EP ‘Legless and Grubby‘ is fast and fierce and plays out at just over 5 mins 40 seconds.
WORMS are:
Natalie Murfin – Vocals
Gavin Pincus – Guitar & Vocals (Ex Mean Girls and Goat Throne)
Zainab Hoseini – Drums
Jarred Beaton – Bass (Ex Deaf Commission and Mad God)
The songs cover topics ranging from defunct friendships, Gacy the Killer Clown, a cover of Black Flag’s ‘Wasted‘ and a worm-themed anthem, in which the band hope to recruit an army of end times cultists, all with some sense of unity and apathy at the same time.
The songs are happy and energetic, not unlike a pile of actual worms active in aerating your garden. You might taste notes of cedar, hints of Amyl and the Sniffers and a bouquet of classic pop punk and hardcore. Some Green Day, some Misfits as well as other favourite influences.
Track one ‘Bother You‘ is the longest on the record, at not quite 2 mins. Crashing straight into high gear with thrashing yet melodic guitars, and strident vocals in the best punk tradition, it’s a formidable start. Referring to the 33 murders comitted by Illinois killer John Gacy, and some of the things he said before he was sentenced to death for his crimes; “The dead won’t bother you, It’s the living you gotta worry about.”
Track two ‘Spare Me Change‘ is another sonic smack around the lugholes, raging over injustices done. The third track is an excellent cover of ‘Wasted‘, which sounds even better than the original!
Final offering is the ‘Wormthem (Worm Anthem)‘, a rousin’ rockin’ celebration of a new breed of punks who ain’t afraid to sing about what’s in store for us all in the end..
The EP was recorded, mixed and mastered at Substation Studios which is run and operated by Lucas Cowley from Sextaps and Dynasty House. He managed to get a raw and energetic, but still clear sense of the band’s sound. Vocals were recorded through a vintage TEAC tape machine.
WORMS played their debut show at The Linden Irish on December 6th supported by long time pals GRIFT and DECAY. It was their EP release party as well as their first ever live performance! Catch their second live show this Monday 15th December at Smoking Kills Bar, Melville, Johannesburg.
I love how this EP title has two meanings! Listen to ‘Legless and Grubby‘ HERE
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Usually found jumping around down the front at gigs, I also relish taking photos and videos, singing, speaking with fellow music fans, and asking musicians the questions nobody else does. Writing about my favourite bands and connecting with people who love music too keeps me more-or-less sane! I’ve worked for over 25 years at a video production company, mainly filming live music events, therefore I have an additional backstage perspective on the scene.
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