Hookworms (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Leeds and Halifax , England, United Kingdom |
| Products | Studio albums, live recordings, singles |
Hookworms was a five-member English band specializing in neo-psychedelic rock, originating from Leeds and Halifax and established in 2010. Over the course of their career between 2010 and 2018, they produced three studio albums and built a reputation for their compelling live performances.
The band ceased activity in 2018 following abuse allegations directed at their vocalist, which were brought forward by a third party. These claims were formally withdrawn in 2021, with no subsequent proceedings.
Biography
Hookworms launched their career with a cassette EP released in August 2011 on Sun Ark/Magic Lantern, a label associated with Sun Araw. Renowned for their energetic concerts, they issued various live recordings, including a CD capturing their session for WFMU, alongside multiple releases through Gringo Records. In 2013, the group signed with Domino's Weird World imprint and joined the Too Pure label roster with the single "Radio Tokyo."
Their debut full-length album Pearl Mystic (2013) was met with extensive critical praise, securing top album accolades from publications such as Loud and Quiet, BrooklynVegan, and Drowned in Sound. The subsequent album The Hum continued to receive favorable reviews.
The band's members included EO, JN, JW, MB, and MJ. Recording and production took place at MJ's Suburban Home Studio located in Leeds, while JW contributed visual artwork through his project Idiot's Pasture. Among their notable admirers were Bobby Gillespie, Charlotte Church, and Julian Cope, the latter commending their 2011 EP for its unique ambient qualities.
On 30 October 2018, Alanna McCardle—previously affiliated with Welsh band Joanna Gruesome and former partner of Hookworms' singer Matthew Johnson—publicly shared allegations of sexual assault against Johnson on behalf of an anonymous woman referred to as 'L'. Johnson denied these accusations.
McCardle pointed out the band's public stance on feminist and anti-abuse issues as potentially being used strategically amid the controversy. The following day, Hookworms announced their disbandment.
After these developments, Johnson withdrew from social media platforms and substantially reduced the online presence of his recording studio.
In March 2020, Johnson initiated legal proceedings against McCardle and 'L' citing malicious falsehood and defamation. This lawsuit was discontinued in May 2021 when McCardle retracted her blog post.
The identity of 'L' remains undisclosed to this day.
Studio albums
- Pearl Mystic – Released via Gringo Records (UK) and globally through Domino Records, available on LP/CD/MP3 formats (2013)
- The Hum – Distributed by Domino Records, offered on LP/CD/MP3 (2014)
- Microshift – Issued by Domino Records across LP/CD/MP3 formats (2018)
Full lengths
- Hookworms – Cassette release on Sun Ark/Magic Lantern (2011)
- Hookworms – 12" LP/MP3 via Gringo Records/Faux Discx (2011)
Singles
- Split release with Kogumaza – Issued by Gringo Records, 7"/MP3 (2012)
- Radio Tokyo/On Returning – Part of the Too Pure Singles Club series, 7" vinyl (2013)
Live releases / Compilation appearances / Remixes
- "Starting Line": Runners Remix – Released as a 12" single/MP3 by Dummy Mag (2011)
- Live Vol. 1 – Self-released cassette/MP3 (2012)
- Spur: Volume One Compilation featuring "Deu" – Magnetic Tapes cassette (2012)
- Live Vol. 2: Session recorded for WFMU – Available on CD & DVD via Cardinal Fuzz (2012)
- "Bodies": Remix by Mazes – Released by Fat Cat Records on cassette/MP3 (2012)
- "Run To Your Mama": Remix by MJ of Goat – Rocket Recordings Record Store Day release on 12"/CD (2012)
- Psych For Sore Eyes EP compilation including "The Correspondent" – Sonic Cathedral 7" release (2013)
- Live Vol. 3 – Bonus CD exclusive to Rough Trade stores included with The Hum, released by Domino Records (2014)