Nothing More – The Stories We Tell OurselvesWith The Stories We Tell Ourselves, the latest album from Texas-based rock group, Nothing More, listeners will be pleased to feast upon a robust, overall well-polished, and wholly heavy album from start to finish. Jonny Hawkins and the guys in Nothing More leave nothing behind, including the listener. From a diversity in tone to an apparent and undeniable maturity in sound, this album delivers one forceful, driving track after another. There is no shortage of power and, at times, utter brutality in this album. And I love it.
Lyrically, this album takes some big leaps into larger issues, painting pictures of internal personal conflicts, as well as the political and cultural shifts this country finds itself steeped in. These themes nestle in alongside messages of how things should and need to be if we are going to make it out of here alive. From “Do You Want It,” the album’s powerful opener, the lyric, “Everybody wants to change the world; no one wants to change themselves” drives right into the heart of the listener that it’s time to wake up and look inside ourselves for some deep answers to life’s questions.
“Ripping Me Apart” brings the listener into a painful, almost angst-ridden plea from Hawkins, while Mark Vollelunga on guitar, Daniel Oliver on bass, and Ben Anderson on drums provide the perfect dynamic backdrop to take Hawkins’s vocals to the next level. And, on this album, his vocals are completely next level. From screams to guttural growls, whispered pleas to outright perfect intonations, Hawkins proves there is nothing he can’t do with his voice. And thank goodness for that – his signature sound makes each track the force that it is.
A nice contrast in theme and tone comes between two tracks, “The Great Divorce” and “Still in Love.” Where the former is emotionally brutal and seemingly angry, the latter is emotionally softer, but it doesn’t let up on the energy or pace of the album. Again, lyrically, these two tracks could not be more different, and they are a true testament to the diversity in sound that Nothing More continues to bring to the table.
“Go to War” was the perfect debut single for them to release from this album, and its message is timely – “Screaming at the ones we love, like we forgot who we can trust.” It’s a call for us to remember who has our back in this world that finds itself so divided. It’s a complete powerhouse song and one of the best examples of the band’s range.
If you seek a song that will pull your heart out of your chest, put it back in gently, and hand you a box of tissues when it’s all over, check out “Just Say When.” This acoustic track, featuring Hawkins and Vollelunga, is one of the most beautiful representations of what it feels like to leave a relationship that just wasn’t meant to be. Lyrically, it’s gorgeous, and the acoustic nature is perfect for this track. It is utter perfection.
Another compelling track, “Who We Are” propels the album through to “Tunnels,” and the band never lets up. “Fade In/Fade Out” is another strong, emotional offering and is the perfect closer for the album. Not necessarily uplifting or motivational in nature, it is pretty deep lyrically, as it deals with the idea of life and loss and the appreciation of both. However, the resonating message, “Never settle. Make your mark. Hold your head up. Follow your heart” seems to be call to action that the band wants listeners to leave with.
In all, from top to bottom, The Stories We Tell Ourselves brings something for everyone. It is easily one of the best albums of the year, and it was an instant five skulls from me from the first listen. Grab your copy now.
