Cut Worms

Cut Worms is the stage name used by singer-songwriter Max Clarke, whose music takes a very specific retro turn to the country-tinged rock'n roll of the '50s and early '60s, with an eye towards the Everly Brothers and Buddy Holly era, and a wink towards an occasional touch of doo-wop. Clarke is talented enough a songwriter and performer that none of this comes across as gimmicky. He comes up with charming melodies that bring the audience into a world that has long faded from most people's rearview mirror by now. He has the ability to replicate that music not just in form, but also with the kind of spark one can imagine folks felt when they heard that music the first time back in the day. There is a layer of melancholy in his songs as well that makes its presence felt despite the overall upbeat tone of his songs.