HawaiiWorms EP "Kiosk 67": Intimate, Expansive, Unmissable

HawaiiWorms is the evocative solo project of Pete Collins, known for his work with the experimental hauntronica and darkwave outfit Flange Circus. Through HawaiiWorms, Collins weaves a sonic tapestry that is both intimate and expansive. With a focus on atmospheric textures, heartfelt melodies, and introspective lyrics, the project explores themes of memory, isolation, and the fleeting beauty found in transitory experiences.

The genesis of the EP was unplanned. Collins explains, "I didn’t set out to make a solo EP; it just happened. Egg was the track that kick-started this all off. I wrote it for the last Flange Circus album, Katabasis, but it didn’t quite fit the themes and sounds we were going for. I used the hi-hat pattern for Diabolical Bird on that album though, so very astute listeners might notice it’s the same. Egg is probably the most ‘New Order’-sounding song on the EP, largely because of my extensive use of a Clone Theory chorus effects pedal on my bass guitar. I knew I wanted to release it in some form, and writing new material to go with it flowed really easily once I started."

Working alone has presented both challenges and rewards for Collins. He has handled all instrumentation and vocals himself, blending software and hardware synths. Reflecting on the process, he notes, "I spent over an hour trying to get the perfect software Moog Taurus bass sound for Prism before it dawned on me that I had a Moog Minitaur synth sitting two metres away on a shelf."

The EP is a compelling introduction to HawaiiWorms, capturing the delicate balance between personal introspection and broader, immersive soundscapes. It is a project that demonstrates Collins’ ability to transform solitude into music that resonates with both intimacy and expansiveness.