Jeff Rosenstock
WORRY.
(SideOneDummy Records)
Instead of a rollercoaster flushed with hot and cold memories of life encompassing Bomb! The Music Industry and the outside world known as We Cool?, Jeff Rosenstock blooms a secondary existence in WORRY. Since getting married in 2015 post-We Cool?, Rosenstock had a difficult time writing about married life and could only think of all the obstacles that stood in the way of his bliss. WORRY. brings together the past and present thoughts inside Rosenstock’s head into a cohesive record full of emotion and adventure without a dull moment along the way.
Familiar, lingering patterns flow into WORRY. like acoustic, melancholy verses in “To Be A Ghost” and even some ska remnants for Bomb! fans in “Bang On The Door” and “Rainbow.” Rosenstock has proved the societal constraints of what life is “supposed” to be like are bullshit (first rule of punk, right?) in the intro track “We Begged 2 Explode” with the lines “all these magic moments I’ve forgotten” coupled with orchestral transitions still stay true to the Rosenstock we’ve known since Bomb!. “Pash Rash,” “Festival Song” and “Staring Out The Window Of Your Old Apartment” are all perfectly crafted songs full of building melody with cultural references of life as an aging punk. He keeps things interesting, leaving no track feeling unpolished, even when it’s full of abrasive guitar. The album moves fast, even at 17 songs it feels like we’re still getting to know Rosenstock.
The last five tracks are all almost under two minutes (as punk should be). While Rosenstock is open about many events in his life (good and bad), the influences are spotty in the lyrics at times; mysterious. Even “HELLLLHOOOOLE” brings comedy and transitions from somber, poetic beats to electric guitars showing Rosenstock has more creative drive than ever before (even with lyrics about living inside a hellhole). “June 21st” and “The Fuzz” bring together xylophones, church choir-esque gang vocals, electronic tones and heartfelt lyrics, “all I want to do is hold you, but I’m afraid I’ll squeeze too tight/until the energy leaves your body and the tears fall from your eyes.” Deep, brooding at times and exciting, each song is like a story full of fast breaks and perfectly coupled tones from numerous instruments, pedals, extra and vocals that are too uncommon in punk.
The outro “Perfect Sound Whatever” shows there’s no true perfect sound with the lyrics “perfect always takes so long because it don’t exist.” If this is true, then WORRY. is an almost perfect record. It’s full of emotion, it’s easy to listen to, it’s fresh, mysterious and exciting. The new chapter of Jeff Rosenstock should prove to be one of the best records of the year.
