I first encountered the Texas rockers Nothing More with their fifth studio album, "The Stories We Tell Ourselves." Although it was their fifth full-length record, it felt like their third, as drummer Jonny Hawkins took on vocal duties after 2009, giving the band a new identity with the record "The Few Not Fleeting." With follow-ups like the self-titled "Nothing More" and the critically acclaimed "The Stories We Tell Ourselves," Nothing More carved their name in the mainstream rock territory.
I consider 2022's "SPIRITS" a step down for Nothing More. It's not that I don't like their sound—I admire their signature post-hardcore/hard rock style used on the self-titled album and "Stories." However, they started to sound like a generic metalcore-influenced heavy rock band. Unfortunately, "CARNAL" is no different. While it has some strong points like "IF IT DOESN'T HURT," "BLAME IT ON THE DRUGS," and "DOWN THE RIVER," songs like "EXISTENTIAL DREAD," "FREEFALL," and "GIVE IT TIME" feel unfocused. "EXISTENTIAL DREAD" starts with strong riffs and a solid structure, but the overlong and odd "eeEEeeEExistential" part at the beginning of the chorus disrupts the vibe. The single "ANGEL SONG," featuring David Draiman, showcases a strong vocal performance from Jonny and a catchy, cathartic chorus. However, the simplicity and repetitiveness of the main riff prevent full engagement with the song.
I don't have any problems with mainstream melodic metal or rock bands incorporating heavy dubstep and techno influences. I'm not against change or experimentation. That's why I loved "Stories" and the self-titled album, and also enjoyed the majority of "The Few Not Fleeting." Tracks like "This is the Time" from the self-titled album and "Don't Stop" from "Stories" were a breath of fresh air, considering how dull and bland some hard rock materials were back then. However, those albums caught attention and gained success because of their focused approach. Unfortunately, we haven't seen that focused approach and cutting-edge songwriting from Nothing More since "Stories." While their production quality is solid, allowing all aspects of the record to be heard clearly, it's not enough to save the album's uninspired structure.
If "CARNAL" had more songs like "HOUSE ON SAND" and "STUCK," it could have been a heavier and more compelling album. Although I still think these songs can't keep up with some of their older material, a more focused record could remind us of the band's glory days. One can't deny that these guys still have potential up their sleeves. Nothing More is a divisive band, which is undeniable. However, what we should expect—and what they should deliver—is a focused and solid release. Don't get me wrong, these guys have been around for quite some time, so we should be allowed to expect a more solid effort from them.
While I’ll probably spin some of the stronger tracks from "CARNAL," I'm mostly disappointed with the downturn in lyricism and the unfocused approach in general. I'm still hopeful to hear the powerful writing I loved and admired on the self-titled album and "Stories" in their future efforts. Despite my disappointment with "CARNAL," I haven't lost hope in them.
Highlights:
House on Sand
If It Doesn't Hurt
Blame It on the Drugs
Down the River
RATING: 5.5/10
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