Mourn – Self Worth

Self Worth by Mourn delivers a series of short tracks that explore the titular concept to varying degrees, from struggles with acceptance and unhealthy relationship dynamics to male perception of female worth. The record addresses relatable modern issues and frames them with old school 80s, 90s and some 00s alternative rock music. The result is an intense experience filled with rightly frustrated screams and rebellious vocals that connect two very different generations with the common thread of self-worth.

The album opens with This Feeling Is Disgusting – bubblegum punk laced with self-deprecating lyrics creating a typically alt-rock juxtaposition. It is a happy-go-lucky introduction in terms of style and rhythm, and sets a precedent for the edgy lyricism found in the rest of the record.

Men starts with an immediately arresting chord progression, and the lyrics don’t beat around the bush, telling it as it is, almost drowned by overwhelming instrumentals. Gather, Really is an even stronger follow-up, riddled with overbearing frustration that seeps into the vocals and lyrics, and continuing the theme of heavy instrumentals and voices that struggle to be heard. A little cleverer in terms of sound and lyrics are The Tree and Worthy Mushroom. These songs use metaphor and poetic lament, offering some stability amid otherwise experimental music.

Apathy is the overall best track: the alternating repetition between “what’s the next step” and “where’s the next stab,” alongside the screeching vocals, is very disorienting and emphasises the toxicity of an overdependent relationship dynamic. The speaker’s irritation is perfectly conveyed in the track’s composition, from the stylistic choices of the vocals to the fast-paced vibration of the instruments. The Family’s Broke brings an abrupt end to the album, with just a little bit more visual storytelling. It’s perfectly acceptable as a closer, without offering too much else – reflective of the record in general, which is just fine.

Mae Trumata

Self Worth is released on 30^th October 2020. For further information or to order the album visit Mourn’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Men here: