One of the Best Albums of 2014:
Nothing More by Nothing More
There are a few bands out there that I look forward to the release of their next album for way more reasons than just the music. The arrival of a La Dispute album is like the publication of a new book of poetry that always tends to have a deep relevance in my life. When Rise Against releases a new album I am not only in awe about how Tim McIrath finds new ways to express his frustrations and ideals about society, but also his ability to bring in ever new ideas and fresh arguments about personal issues and our responsibilities towards each other as people. Affiance is another band whose lyrics are so amazing that I look forward to the jacket cover as much as I do the CD itself.
| Well as they say, there is a new kid on the block. For fans of meaningful lyrics who at the same time demand quality music with fresh rhythms and new ideas, may I introduce you to the best hard rock release of 2014 so far; Nothing More’s self titled album. This CD has 17 kickass songs with meaningful lyrics, amazing musicianship and creative, unique mixes of musical genres. I saw Nothing More at Rocklahoma this year, and I was completely blown away by their show. In fact the show was so incredible, so inspiring and energizing that I actually expected to be disappointed by their release because of my high expectations. That was certainly not the case. |  |
How does one find a favorite song on this album when every song is so good? Probably "Jenny" is the most emotional song on the album. I read the lyrics, and I am brought to tears. Listening to how the song melts with the lyrics; the voice, the guitars and drums convinces you that every member of Nothing More feels the emotions of this person’s struggle with self-confidence and addiction.
Nothing More Lead Singer Johnny Hawkins
Another song that really moves me is "Mr. MTV". Although the concept, at least for me as a listener is not as emotional as with "Jenny", this song uses its beats and sounds to complement the lyrics in a way that expresses frustration with our materialistic culture in a more complete way than I have ever heard before. Even Eve couldn’t live without her iPlan. I cannot stop singing this song.
The first single, "This is the Time (Ballast)", is also amazing. The lyrics call out for self-examination. I know personally I can see my own life in that...how when times get hard, rather than dealing with the frustration and moving forward, we blame, we get angry and we get trapped:
Anchored in anger, we exile ourselves
Bitter Blood builds our prison cells
Darker water now fills our lungs
The depths of our heart have blackened the sun
Anyone who can read that and not feel a twinge in the stomach, congratulations, you are a better person than I.
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"Christ Copyright" is another of the many songs in rock and roll that criticize religion’s role in our society. But along with the incredible music, what really sets this song aside is the fact that the lyrics are so clearly indicting the use of religion to control people, and not religious beliefs and definitely not religious people. The creativity of the name of the song is equally amazing. Yes, we have our Christ, but they have him Copyrighted. The accompanying music is devastatingly spot on for the message.
I could go on for pages and pages about how each and every song touches a nerve in some way or another. I have had the CD for ten days and have listened to it through about 20 times. But a better way to spend your time than reading my words is to head immediately to www.nothingmore.net and follow the lyrics link. Read "God Went North," then scroll down to the comments section. Yes, this band will respond to your comments and questions. They will share with you the emotions and experiences that inspired the songs. Can a musical experience get any better? Can it get any more comprehensive as a fan?
Finally, I get to see Nothing More at least twice, and hopefully three times in the next couple of months. They are doing a headlining tour, playing Aftershock in Sacramento (http://www.aftershockconcert.com), and then opening for Volbeat and Five Finger Death Punch. What I wonder is how will they ever create a setlist from so much amazing material? I got to see a short set at Rocklahoma on the hard rock stage, but the thought of a full set has me so excited that I want summer to go by faster….ok not that excited…I teach… I love summer.
Nothing More is undoubtedly one of the best young metal bands in America. They have it all….music, lyrics, live show and communication with their fans. Their new CD is an incredible work of art, a masterpiece of music and verse. You will rock, you will headbang, you will air guitar, you will laugh, and you will cry. And then you will put the CD back in and do it all over again….to an even deeper level.
Finally, I get to see Nothing More at least twice, and hopefully three times in the next couple of months. They are doing a headlining tour, playing Aftershock in Sacramento (http://www.aftershockconcert.com), and then opening for Volbeat and Five Finger Death Punch. What I wonder is how will they ever create a setlist from so much amazing material? I got to see a short set at Rocklahoma on the hard rock stage, but the thought of a full set has me so excited that I want summer to go by faster….ok not that excited…I teach… I love summer.
Nothing More is undoubtedly one of the best young metal bands in America. They have it all….music, lyrics, live show and communication with their fans. Their new CD is an incredible work of art, a masterpiece of music and verse. You will rock, you will headbang, you will air guitar, you will laugh, and you will cry. And then you will put the CD back in and do it all over again….to an even deeper level.
 | Dan Adler was raised in Southern California to a mom and dad, one of whom appreciated Creedence and left wing anti-war politics. By the teenage years, Dan became obsessed with Black Sabbath, listening to the same seven albums repeatedly for 5 years. During this time, his favorite concert experience was seeing Metallica open for a bunch of bands that no longer exist and winning the 1st ever Santa Cruz Air Guitar contest. After several years in Africa listening and dancing to Chimurenga music, Dan returned to have the two best children in the world, one of whom spends a lot of time at concerts with him. What a lucky dad! |
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