A Vast Expanse Of Land

Melkbelly “Prehistoric Worm”

“Prehistoric Worm” plays on the familiar dynamics of commercial ‘90s alt-rock but Melkbelly twist and tilt everything just enough to make the rumbling bass and feedback hums feel a bit queasy and imbalanced. Miranda Winters’ vocal melody – which she seems to sing through a grin like Kim Deal – is the most immediate pleasing element of the song but her words are vaguely sinister: “A vast expanse of land demands that we become more depressed.” Her lyrics on the chorus are just as enigmatic, and the sense that it’s hard to parse context or perspective here feels somewhat upsetting, like she’s seeing and understanding something we can’t and her hidden knowledge isn’t pleasant.

Buy it from Bandcamp.