"Welcome The Worms" - Bleached [Official Full Album Stream + Zumic Review]

On April 1, Los Angeles indie rock band Bleached released their sophomore album, Welcome The Worms, via Dead Oceans. The 10 track album spans just over 36 minutes, and was co-produced by Joe Chiccarelli and Carlos de la Garzapacks. The songs deliver a punch of energized, upbeat rock numbers from sisters Jennifer (vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Jessie Clavin (guitar) with Micayla Grace (bass) and an uncredited drummer (presumably Nick Pillot, based on the band's Facebook "About" section).

On Dead Oceans website, Jessie Clavin shared some insight about her role on the album:

I've become a more confident musician... I wanted to be open-minded to this record and try new things we hadn't done before. I felt such a great amount of respect working with the people we did on this record, feeling really free to do what I wanted to do, and making it a Bleached world.

The LP opens up with a triple blast of high energy tunes that immediately grab your attention. "Keep On Keepin' On" is a rock anthem tailor made for college radio, while "Trying To Lose Myself Again" is an angsty number. "Sleepwalking" features Micayla Grace's skilled swirling bass lines that add colorful texture.

"Wasted On You" slows down the energy, and is reminiscent of an '80s Joan Jett & The Blackhearts anthem. If pop punk sensibilities in songs is your thing, then look no further than "Chemical Air" and "Sour Candy."

There's a smooth transition of fast-paced songs to slightly mellower ones towards the latter part of the record. "Desolate Town" has a menacing feel to it, and "I'm All Over the Place (Mystic Mama)" finds Bleached tapping into their slower, slightly psychedelic side. The LP wraps up with the band returning back to their signature punk rock sound in "Hollywood, We Did It All Wrong."

"Welcome The Worms" is an ambitious record, one that touches on such styles as '90s pop punk and including elements of late '70s and early 80s punk rock. If you're not a fan of this style, then the songs may feel repetitive. Tracks we like are "Keep On Keepin' On," "Wednesday Night Melody," "Sleepwalking," "Sour Candy," and "I'm All Over the Place (Mystic Mama)."

Pick up Welcome the Worms on Amazon (Vinyl, CD, MP3). You can also stream the full album for free above, via Spotify.

For the latest music, news, and tour dates from Bleached, check out their Zumic artist page.