DS Record Review: Worthington’s Law “Funnier! Punkier! Bandier!”

Self-described as a funny punk band, Worthington’s Law from Durham, NC could probably be more accurately described as a dad joke band. Their most recent release, “Funnier! Punkier! Bandier!” will have you laughing at its jokes or cringing at their truthfulness. I don’t mean that in a bad way. Songwriter and vocalist, Nick Faber, has constructed an album that I connected with in more ways than I’m willing to admit.

The album jumps between three types of punk rock: Ramonescore, hardcore, and some ska-punk. Opening with the frustration anthem about small messes around the house, “Clutter,” Worthington’s Law puts their humor on the front street. It’s a mix of dad complaints with an almost Germs-like verse leading into a 1990s punk chorus. Songs like “Kate (The Fun Times)” are about having a partner who is much more tired than you and missing the times when you stayed up past nine p.m.

“All My Friends Are Punks” is a Ramonescore delight about the friend group you decide to keep around. While you might think a song like “Read It and Weep” would be a ska punk song about poker night, you’d be mistaken. This song is about the tons of cards you collect from businesses like Costco, but also loyalty cards, library cards, gym membership cards, and the list goes on. Then there’s a song about Binaca.

While tropes of being middle-aged and punk are celebrated, there are some real moments. Truth in humor can be found in most of these songs, but there are some moments of seriousness in songs like “When the Leaves Turn Colors” and “I Don’t Believe in Anything.” While these songs may be simple in theory, they succeed well in execution.

Then there are songs like, “Reset,” about being charged by an electrician for a supposed electrical issue that was resolved by pushing a button, or the “Dinner Party Pt. 1 & 2,” which is about being socially awkward about being at said event without knowing anyone there. I personally may not be guilty of these grown-up sins on this album, but I have my own embarrassing versions. While the ridiculousness of life is rampant on the record, there’s a good balance of songs that are humorous and truthful enough to prevent it from falling into the Dead Milkmen or Gas Station Boner Pills category of records, and closer to a Vandals or Queers record.

Funnier! Punkier! and Bandier! has seventeen songs. Nick Faber’s musical ear and lyrical honesty work on a lot of different levels. On top of the songs I’ve discussed, there are songs about Student Driver Stickers, Cybertrucks, and being pre-retired. This record will resonate with people of a certain age in a number of ways, but can be listened to by anyone. If you haven’t experienced these things or your own versions of them, give it time, you eventually will. Funnier! Punkier! and Bandier! is out now on Sell the Heart Records.