Song of the Day: Flat Worms – Pearl

By Will Hagle

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on The Afternoon Show with Kevin Cole, is “Pearl” by Flat Worms from the album Flat Worms on Text Me Records.

Flat Worms – Pearl (MP3)

Flat Worms, a three-piece garage punk band from Los Angeles, CA, released their self-titled debut LP on Text Me Records/Castle Face in October 2017. The album is filled with ten loud, fast, fuzzed-out tracks. Each buzzes with a boundless energy akin to the kind a dog might possess, such as the greyhound who serves as the album’s cover art and de facto band mascot.

“Pearl,” the lead single from Flat Worms, is among the band’s most melodic songs. There’s a catchy riff buried beneath the harsh noise and squeaking feedback of Will Ivy’s distorted guitar, forming a crunchily upbeat tune in the vein of Ty Segall and Oh Sees. Ivy, as well as bassist Tim Hellman, have both played with those acts in the past, as well as other notable bands like Wet Illustrated and Dream Boys. Drummer Justin Sullivan also performed with The Babies, making Flat Worms essentially a garage punk super-group. “Pearl” proves that Flat Worms can be mentioned in the same breath as the genre’s heavyweights that came before them.

Flat Worms don’t have any tour dates coming up and they’re relatively absent from social media, but you can subscribe to their YouTube channel for updates. Below, check out the video for “Pearl,” which also features the dog from the album’s cover art as well as its Boston Terrier buddy.