The latest single from South London artist Heartworms is the exceptional ‘Retributions Of An Awful Life’. It’s a dark, intense track underpinned by Kraftwerk-esque rhythmic rigidity, and almost surreal chromaticism coming from a variety of clashing synth sounds. With the help of that gritty bass guitar and tinny drum kit, the track explodes into industrial life just in time for Heartworms’ unique voice to join the Kafka-esque party. On the video that accompanies the track, she explains: “The song itself lyrically is deeply unsettling, I wanted it to come alive in action. I had an idea of being kitted up in full militaria of no specific regiments, in black and white, putting my body through cold water and wet mud. This was stepping outside my comfort zone.” Her debut EP, A Comforting Notion, drops on March 24th, 2023 via Speedy Wunderground. -Dan Peeke.