Worthwhile

Old World Harm (2015)

RENALDO69

Worthwhile first caught my eye with "Unlovable (Lost Son)". What made them more interesting is how they shifted from a fast-paced melodic-punk sound into a more melodic hardcore style. Their older vibe was a bit catchier/poppier but it's how great they pulled off both versions that really hooked me. I've heard lots of fans describe their schtick as 'easycore' or 'softcore' but to me, it's akin (in a much more melodic and accessible vein) to what post-hardcore/screamo bands like Touché Amoré, Defeater and Departures put on the table. Old World Harm is a great snapshot of where they're at and while you can see Worthwhile are still a work-in-progress, there's a lot on tap to show that they're heading for great things.

"Relentless" is a perfect example of their melodic hardcore viewpoint. Frenetic kitwork, rasping riffs and a drive that old fans would connect with the most. There's a great degree of motivation to be found in their lyrics - honest, personal and something so many listeners have commended them on. The rawness and aggression of the instrumentation is an odd fit for the poetry offered but both end up mixing so well. "October of '29" shows even more of their punk versatility which fans of After The Fall and Brutal Youth could draw parallels from. It's an album that lays so much on the line and you sense the vulnerability of the band's music at all corners. This evokes a sense of realness that's right up there with the likes of Pianos Become The Teeth and La Dispute as well. There's a heavy emotional draw on Old World Harm that would have fit right in with The Wave.

"Lazy Lullaby" offers up some much needed respite and it's one of those instrumentals that grants you a couple minutes of introspection. To be honest, a lot of these contemplative moments pop up on most of what Worthwhile do. They churn out loud moments of catharsis and a lot of this feels like breaking free from the shackles of the world and breathing for the first time. It really reminds me (and I guess I can chalk a lot of this down to lyrical content) of Is Survived By in 2013 and by the time, "To My Little One, Someday" brings the curtains down, it's very apparent how mature these Bay area youngsters are. Not sure if it's down to how they altered their musical direction but they definitely write, feel and sound wise beyond their years. Highly recommended.