The next song, “Somewhere Else to Be,” benefits from the weird ending of the previous track -- the transition works well. The track reminds me of your classy, angsty punk song with lyrics that tell the story of someone just trying to find their way in the world -- or that’s what I thought, anyway. According to Brooklyn Magazine, it turns out the song is about “a weathered gay hustler who wonders aloud how much longer he can stay in the game.” So basically, I was completely off. But hey, songs are sometimes about how the listener can relate to them, right? Anywho, I like how the music in this song reminds me of the songs of my teenage years when I was still trying to figure out who I was, one awkward day at a time.

 

Originally, I wasn’t gonna talk about “Drinks at the Plaza Hotel” because I am not a big fan of the song’s vocals. However, I really like the instrumentals and I didn’t want to go without saying that. I also decided halfway through listening that I did actually like the vocals, especially in the chorus when the music is at its strongest. It just makes me want to head bang with passion along with the song’s pulse -- a constant, reassuring kick drum.

 

I love“Parliaments on Sunday” despite the fact that I am not a smoker. This song’s lyrics and smooth instrumentals took me back to college and standing out in the freezing cold, on the porch with all my smoker friends -- me being the token non-smoker. Excuse me while I take a moment to reminisce…

 

If relief from nicotine cravings had a sound, that sound would be this song. My favorite part comes from the phrase “Then after maybe one or two we’ll say that’ll do / yeah, that’ll do.” I can picture my college roommate saying that during a smoke break while studying for finals. The lyrics are metaphorical in a really clever way. I think it’s safe for me to say this is my favorite song on the album.

Of course I have to talk about “Catherine” -- the song and I share a name.  From what I can tell the song is about a guy who has come home from the army and is trying to get in touch with an old flame, possibly the one that got away (because who on Earth would let a Catherine go?)  I really liked the fast tempo and steady head-nodding beat that establishes the intensity of the song.

 

I had so much fun reviewing this album. I wish I could have talked about all the songs because they were all excellent, but I wanted to focus on my absolute favorites. I will definitely be keeping an eye on Wormburner in the future.