Worm Grunter Releases Eerie and Enigmatic Single ‘As They Go Back Home’

Since their mysterious emergence in 2019, Worm Grunter has been a band wrapped in enigma. Their origins might involve worm DNA—or so the whispers go—but the truth of their genetic makeup remains a tantalising unknown. What is clear, however, is their uncanny ability to spin tales that are equal parts peculiar and profound. The latest single, ‘As They Go Back Home’, exemplifies this knack, delving into themes of alien control with a sound that is at once unsettling and captivating.

Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, Worm Grunter consists of Rory Troy on guitar and vocals, Cliff Coffee on bass, and Justin Berg on drums. The trio has carved a unique niche, weaving narratives that range from sidestepping awkward office encounters to grappling with the psychological scars of a Civil War veteran. Now, with ‘As They Go Back Home’, they turn their attention to the cosmos, riffing on the possibility that extraterrestrial overlords pull the strings of human existence. The inspiration? Episodes of The X-Files, of course—a fitting muse for a band that thrives on the weird and wonderful.

Musically, ‘As They Go Back Home’ leans into Worm Grunter’s signature style: jangling guitars that feel both grounded and otherworldly, a bassline that anchors the melody with sombre determination, and drums that punctuate the track with a rhythmic urgency. Rory Troy’s vocals oscillate between plaintive and defiant, capturing the bewilderment and resignation of someone awakening to the machinations of alien puppet masters.

Lyrically, the song doesn’t shy away from its eerie premise, painting a vivid picture of lives lived under unseen influences. The refrain—a haunting mantra that lingers long after the track ends—echoes the paranoia and resignation of recognising forces beyond our control. Yet, like much of Worm Grunter’s work, there’s an undertow of humour: a wink to the listener that even in the face of cosmic domination, there’s room to marvel at the absurdity of it all.

Worm Grunter’s charm lies in their ability to balance this blend of the absurd, the profound, and the deeply human. Their subject matter may span centuries, species, and dimensions, but their music is unmistakably rooted in relatable experiences. Whether it’s a story about the suburbs, a silent hallway, or the eerie vastness of space, Worm Grunter connects with their audience through a lens that is refreshingly unconventional.

For fans of quirky, thought-provoking indie rock—or anyone who has ever suspected the existence of alien overlords—‘As They Go Back Home’ is a must-listen. It’s Worm Grunter at their finest: enigmatic, evocative, and utterly unforgettable.