Cut Worms Serenades Brooklyn With Back-to-Back Valentine’s Shows

Cut Worms played back-to-back shows at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn, NY

February 15th, 2025 - Brooklyn, NY

Cut Worms played two sold-out Valentine’s shows at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn on February 14th and 15th, and it felt like stepping into a sepia-toned postcard from a long lost lover. Max Clarke’s nostalgic sound melded perfectly with the venue’s dim lighting and shimmering wall of bottles. I became a fan of Cut Worms this past year, and knowing he would be performing in my neighborhood felt like a small Valentine’s miracle. He did not disappoint.

The show drew in the quintessential Brooklyn crowd: beanie-wearing regulars and vintage-clad couples sharing the holiday. Backed by a tight four-piece band that included the shimmering twang of a pedal steel guitar, Clarke set an effortlessly mellow pace that let the crowd settle into a groove.

Clarke played a range of hits from his discography, including my personal favorite, “Take It and Smile” from his 2023 self-titled album. The song's jangly guitars and bittersweet lyrics transported me to a space where heartbreak felt poetic and maybe even a little bit comforting. Clarke’s vocals held up to my expectations—if not surpassed them. His delivery was raw and tender, with a sadness in his voice that could melt even the iciest heart.

Midway through the set, Clarke shared a sweet story about bumping into Sir Paul McCartney on the street. He told McCartney that the band planned to play a Beatles song that night, a John song. McCartney’s response? "I love John!" It was a tender moment, and Clarke’s versatile vocals handled the cover with ease.

Later, the band delivered a cover of “Dead Flowers” by the Rolling Stones. Clarke’s voice brought a country-tinged sadness and weary charm to the song. Covers can sometimes feel like filler, but these added texture and depth to the performance, showcasing Clarke’s ability to adapt and reinterpret classics with sincerity.

For the finale, Clarke returned to the stage solo for a performance of new, unreleased work. Stripped down and vulnerable, the songs carried that melancholic tone that, for me, defines his songwriting. I look forward to hearing how these tracks evolve in their final form. It was an interesting way to close the night, leaving the crowd in a hushed, contemplative space rather than the typical post-show buzz. It felt like the perfect cap on a show billed as Loners and Lovers—though some might say it was too subdued after such a mellow set.

Cut Worms delivered a Valentine’s experience more poignant than any box of chocolates or bouquet of flowers. Clarke’s heartfelt energy filled the room at Baby’s All Right, leaving love—and maybe just a little longing—hanging in the air.