Premiere: Human Worm Soars With Incisive Splendor On Debut Single, “Mega Bitch”
Writing for Esquire magazine in 1936, F. Scott Fitzgerald penned a stark personal essay entitled “The Crack-Up,” which bore the blunt sub-title: “A desolately frank document from one whom the salt of life has lost its savor.” In just the second paragraph, he introduced a now-famous line that has graced everything from inspirational posters to social media memes: “…the test for a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function.” A poignant observation from a troubled mind, it’s perhaps more troubling that this line resonates even stronger a century later, albeit with some variation on what constitutes an “ability to function” in modern society.
In today’s over-saturated and endlessly problematic world, the challenge of balancing conflicting ideas has never been more pronounced. We find ourselves navigating a landscape filled with paradoxes–between optimism and pessimism, connection and isolation, ambition and self-doubt. The ability to hold these opposing thoughts in our minds is essential for making sense of our experiences and for fostering resilience in the face of uncertainty. But does this truly define “first-rate” intelligence, as Fitzgerald suggested, or is it a reflection of the complexities of the human experience?
These questions and more permeate the haze of “Mega Bitch,” the debut single from Richmond trio Human Worm, where a straightforward observation of destructive behaviors unfolds into a profound commentary on modern connections and inner concord. Nestled in the inviting intersection of bedroom pop and shoegaze, this sublime track captures the visceral tension inherent in the dual life that many of us lead—one filled with outward promise and shadowed by inner shame. Premiering today on The Auricular, this penetrating reverie brings sharp clarity to the doubts that emerge in both quiet and loud moments, infusing vibrant hues into the scorn and repulsion that often accompany those conflicted feelings.
Aiming high with their debut, Human Worm skillfully navigates this existential quandary, delivering a sound that leaves one nearly speechless–if not for the several paragraphs of text below. Comprising Nat B. (guitar), Danielle Flake (drums/synth), and Katie Bowles (bass), the trio draws inspiration from shoegaze legends like My Bloody Valentine, angular pop artists such as Chappell Roan and Charli XCX, and the empowering spirit of the riot grrrl movement. Their creative process is a collaborative effort, with each member contributing to the song based on a lyrical concept introduced by one of them. In the case of “Mega Bitch,” the idea was sparked by Nat B., who sought to delve into her extreme antisocial tendencies and the discomfort that surrounds them, lending the track its signature overcast luster.
Following the electronic crackle of distortion, the song begins with a simple, hesitant drumbeat, one that tempers itself immediately after revving up, instantly highlighting the contradictions clouding our judgment. “Don’t wanna be there even when I do, just another thing that I’m getting through,” a voice confides, instantly establishing a tone of apathetic detachment as the synth tones rise in the background, reaching upward with a sense of yearning. For escape. For relief. For change.
“It took a lot for me to leave home,” the narrative continues, listing the feelings of animosity and apathy that stem from this fleeting inconvenience. Delivered with a soothing melody, the personal scorn fades from the words, leaving only the rough exterior that these sentiments inhabit. Disconnected from context and resolution, this reveals the feelings as genuinely intrusive and counterproductive to a life of connection and fulfillment, a notion that makes itself clear within the chorus (“I ask if we can just forget about it\ But I get fucked up and mean about it“).
Musically, this inner turmoil unfolds in a captivating realm where the nuances are subtle and intentional, allowing distressed emotions to fill the space and finally be expressed. The synth tones evoke a sense of ethereal wonder, conjuring images of an out-of-body experience that often accompanies snapping at a partner at the worst possible moment. Beneath it all, the guitars contribute to the haze with a steady rhythm, pushing the boundaries of the drum pattern while enveloping the sound in drenched reverb that aims to jolt our senses and awareness back to the forefront. Above it all lies the vocal harmony, which not only transforms this scene into a shared experience but also softens it for deeper examination and, hopefully, understanding.
That resolution ends on a note as beautifully foggy as the music itself with the closing refrain “I can not wait until I am free from her” repeated three times for emphasis. As the synthesizers soar further into the sonic ether during the outro, the phrasing becomes poetically vague, allowing it to resonate with the feelings of liberation from a combative interaction, as well as the nameless malignancy that lurks deep within our minds. Looking past the dual choice, Fitzgerald’s quote about opposing mindsets comes rushing back into focus, prompting a reflection on what he intended to follow that famous adage. “One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make them otherwise,” he wrote back in 1936. With a melodic tone yearning for escape, “Mega Bitch” embodies this sentiment perfectly, capturing the struggle of recognizing despair while simultaneously fostering a desire for change. The song emerges as an anthem for those navigating conflicting emotions, reminding us that even in our bleakest moments, a flicker of hope remains, propelling us forward in our quest for that “first-rate intelligence” and, perhaps more importantly, that vital “ability to function.”
“Mega Bitch” is available to stream now on all platforms. To make sure you don’t miss their next release, make sure to follow them on Spotify and Instagram.
And don’t miss your chance to see Human Worm live at Plan 9 Music on Wednesday, November 6th. Starting at 7 PM, this free event is brought to you by Plan 9 and The Auricular, showcasing the finest talent Richmond has to offer in an intimate and distinctive setting.
