O'Brien jammin out to Billy Squier (question)

When O’Brien’s mom bangs on the door and tells him to turn the music down, I never could tell if he just turns the volume down a smidgen or does he actually turn it up? The music in the background stays the same to my ears. Either way, his mom didn't like it and it didn't seem to harsh O'Brien's mellow in any way.

You take your pension in loneliness and alcohol.