Gig review: Bloodworm at The Bodega

Opening act Swallowtail set a haunting mood, with the lead vocalist’s breathy yet powerful voice captivating the crowd from the start. While I would have liked the vocals a touch louder - which may have been because I was stood near the speaker - the hauntingly beautiful sound still cut through. 

Their talent shone with every song, particularly when their guitarist swapped out traditional techniques to play with a bow – an unconventional but striking touch that added depth to their sound.

Swallowtail didn’t say much to the crowd beyond a quick “Happy Halloween!” but their polished, practiced performance spoke volumes, showcasing just how refined this band has become as of late.

Then came Bloodworm, diving straight into a set full of energy. In keeping with the season, they brought a pumpkin on stage, with “Bloodworm” proudly written on it. Frontman George Curtis struggled early on as he searched for his missing guitar pick, while someone in the audience yelled, “Go on, you sexy bastards,” eager for the band to start playing. 

They kicked off the set with their two new singles, Depths and Back of a Hand, before diving into older tracks that have since been taken down from streaming services, creating a sense of exclusivity for long-time fans. While it was strange to see a band perform songs they weren’t happy to have published on the internet, it was clear that the live setting gave them the opportunity to play them exactly as they wanted them to sound, in their full glory. 

Meanwhile, the Halloween spirit was in full swing around the venue, as fans in costume began moshing as the energy peaked in the middle of the set. George put his foot on the pumpkin while playing, a rockstar move that amped up the crowd - and the admiration continued when someone shouted, “You need a bigger venue!” George responded, “Maybe next year,” a hopeful nod to their rising popularity.

The set included time for a “beer break,” as the band grabbed Peronis from the bar before shouting out Rob and Phil from JT Soar, who’d been instrumental in producing their new singles. The personal moments didn’t stop there; George’s mum and dad were in the crowd, sharing in the celebration of the band’s on-stage success.

For the encore, George returned to the stage solo for a heartfelt cover of The Cure’s Lovesong. He then said, “Bring back the worms,” and the rest of the band rejoined him to close the night with the Halloween-friendly track Cemetery Dance, during which the crowd went mental. Someone threw a black curly wig on stage, someone else climbed onto someone’s shoulders, and the band’s drummer even got involved, jumping offstage into the audience, telling everyone to “split the crowd” before launching them into a wild mosh pit.

With a final “We’ll see you next year,” Bloodworm hinted at big things to come in 2025. Their Halloween show at The Bodega, with its mix of new material, fan-favourite deep cuts, and unforgettable antics, solidified their status as one of Nottingham’s most beloved bands. And judging by this performance, they’ll need a bigger stage much sooner than they think.

Bloodworm performed at The Bodega on 31st October 2024, with support from Swallowtail.

@bloodwormband