Heartworms unveils new single Guess I’m Stuck In The Dark and announces extensive touring plans

The London-based gothic rock project Heartworms, the creative vessel for musician Jojo Orme, has officially returned to the vanguard of the alternative music scene with the release of her latest single, Guess I’m Stuck In The Dark. This track serves as the inaugural offering from her highly anticipated sophomore studio album, acting as a structural and thematic successor to her 2025 critically acclaimed debut, Glutton For Punishment. The single, which has been described by critics as a sophisticated fusion of dance-oriented grooves and traditional indie-noir, marks a distinct evolution in Orme’s sonic architecture, incorporating brighter, more ethereal textures into her signature macabre aesthetic.

The Genesis of a New Sonic Direction

The creative process behind Guess I’m Stuck In The Dark was characterized by spontaneity and environmental happenstance. According to statements provided by Orme, the conceptual framework for the song was established during a writing retreat in Italy, where a localized power failure prompted a period of involuntary reflection. Orme utilized this period of forced isolation to explore themes of psychological fragility and the deceptive nature of the human mind when confronted with uncertainty.

Upon returning to London, Orme collaborated with producer Dan Carey to refine the composition. Carey, known for his ability to distill complex arrangements into their most potent forms, was instrumental in stripping the track back to its foundational elements. The resulting recording emphasizes a minimalist approach, allowing the lyrical content—which deals heavily with the anxieties of self-perception and the struggle to achieve personal authenticity—to take center stage.

"Over time, a lot of my lyrics change meaning when I start to realize that maybe it was my subconscious telling me something," Orme explained. "I was struggling to come up with an idea for that song. I felt very vulnerable and shy; I didn’t like recording vocals in front of people, and being stuck in the dark is about just not being confident in yourself."

Chronology of an Artistic Evolution

The release of this new single marks a pivotal moment in the trajectory of the Heartworms project. Since the 2025 release of her debut album, which established Orme as a formidable force in the UK’s gothic rock underground, she has undergone significant personal and professional changes.

• Early 2025: The release of Glutton For Punishment receives widespread critical praise, cementing her reputation for intense, high-energy live performances.
• Mid-2025: Orme undertakes a series of high-profile support slots, including appearances alongside established acts such as St. Vincent and Sleaford Mods, providing her with experience in larger, stadium-sized venues.
• Late 2025: A period of personal transition, including a marriage and subsequent separation, informs the thematic content of her forthcoming material.
• October 2026: Launch of the new era with intimate performances in Italy, testing new material and a revised aesthetic approach.
• October 2026 (Present): Official release of Guess I’m Stuck In The Dark and the announcement of a multi-territory tour supporting Interpol and Bloc Party.

Aesthetic Shifts and Instrumental Choices

A notable aspect of this new era is the calculated change in Orme’s performance aesthetic. Having previously leaned into an all-black wardrobe, she has opted for a shift toward wool-based tailoring, which she notes is as much about the physical challenge of performing as it is about visual impact. Furthermore, the transition from her long-standing Gibson Firebird guitar to a Fender Telecaster represents a departure from her comfort zone.

"I feel like I perform better when I’m really uncomfortable," Orme noted. "I’ve been playing a Telecaster, which is a guitar I’ve always been afraid to play on stage because of the shape. The sound is incredible, but I just never thought the shape looked good. I’ve been waiting to find the perfect look to compliment the guitar, and I think I’ve managed to find it."

The Interpol Connection and Industry Recognition

The announcement of Heartworms joining the upcoming co-headline tour with Interpol and Bloc Party is particularly significant given Orme’s well-documented admiration for the former. Interpol’s influence, characterized by atmospheric guitar work and rhythmic precision, has been a recurring touchstone in Heartworms’ instrumentation.

The tour, which begins in Berlin in November 2026, serves as a litmus test for her readiness to operate on a larger scale. This professional trajectory has drawn interest from unexpected quarters, including high-profile interactions with figures such as legendary game developer Hideo Kojima. Kojima’s public endorsement of the artist has highlighted the crossover appeal of her work, particularly among audiences who appreciate the intersection of post-punk sensibilities and cinematic narrative.

Analytical Perspective: The Future of the Project

The transition from a debut album that was rooted in "gluttony" and punishment to a second record defined by "uncertainty and dark humor" suggests a more complex, nuanced approach to songwriting. The industry implication of this shift is that Heartworms is moving away from the restrictive genre labels of "goth-rock" and toward a more fluid, character-driven style of indie music.

By moving through different "worlds" or personas rather than sticking to a single character, Orme is attempting to avoid the stagnation that often affects second-album releases. Her admission that she is "not trying to be anything, just trying to cope" suggests an authenticity that resonates with current trends in alternative music, where listeners increasingly prioritize raw, lived-in experiences over polished, curated personas.

Upcoming Tour and Live Schedule

Heartworms is scheduled to embark on an aggressive touring schedule to support the new material. The itinerary reflects a mix of intimate club dates, festival appearances, and large-scale arena support slots:

• October 28, 2026: The Windmill, Brixton (London, UK)
• October 31, 2026: Dark Arts Festival (Leeds, UK)
• November 7, 2026: Iceland Airwaves (Reykjavik, Iceland)
• November 11, 2026: Commencement of European and UK tour supporting Interpol and Bloc Party (Berlin, Germany)

Broader Impact on the UK Music Scene

The continued rise of Heartworms highlights a shift in the UK music landscape, where artists are increasingly finding success by balancing traditional instrumentation with modern, experimental production. The success of her debut was not merely a result of aesthetic branding but was supported by a rigorous touring schedule that allowed her to refine her craft in front of diverse audiences.

As she moves into this new cycle, the focus remains on the synthesis of sound and visual identity. By maintaining a degree of mystery regarding the specific narrative of the upcoming album, Orme is effectively managing the anticipation of her fan base. Her ability to pivot between different musical styles—be it dance-influenced indie or more traditional rock—suggests that the forthcoming project will be her most eclectic to date.

For fans and critics alike, the release of Guess I’m Stuck In The Dark serves as a clear indication that Heartworms is no longer just a rising talent, but a established voice capable of commanding both the intimacy of a small venue and the projection required for arena stages. As the November tour dates approach, the industry will be watching to see how these new tracks translate to larger audiences and whether the "uncertainty" Orme describes will prove to be a successful evolution in her artistic development.