Nothing More Concert Review
May 26, 2023
The Castle Theatre
Bloomington, Illinois
 

Nothing More is an American rock band that formed in San Antonio, Texas in 2003. The band consists of Jonny Hawkins (lead vocals), Mark Vollelunga (guitar, backing vocals), Daniel Oliver (bass, backing vocals), and Ben Anderson (drums). They are known for their high-energy performances and socially conscious lyrics. Nothing More sold out The Castle Theatre again on this Friday night show. They are touring in support of their sixth studio album, “SPIRITS” release in October 14, 2022. The album is accompanied by a graphic novel, SPIRITS, VOL. 1. It is described: ‘This powerfully human epic follows the lives of four individuals from 1952 to modern day, and examines how the unexpected manifestation of their spirit selves alter and shape their destinies toward a greater purpose.’ All the song titles are capitalized which may have meaning that the titles are being shouted. I am not sure of all the details behind the meaning of the album. I am sure that the songs are rocking.  The show was sold out. The crowd was from all over the country.  My friend came in from Jacksonville, Florida.  This was one of the last shows for Nothing More in the United States of this tour. Nothing More touring Europe in Summer 2023.

 

 

The opening band, Catch Your Breath is from Austin, Texas and they are a blend of alt-rock and metal. Their latest single, “Dial Tone” is a great song about losing touch with someone. Their merch was the best designed out of the bands there. They met with fans after their set.

The second artist to perform was Zero 9:36. He was here in 2021 opening for Pop Evil. The stage name of Matthew Cullen whose music is in the rap rock genre. His hit song “Adrenaline” was like an anthem for the Covid Pandemic.

The lyrics,
“All my life I’ve drowned in adrenaline
Now my blood runs slow like a sedative
I wake up past noon and they settled in
Lord, please help me up, I don’t wanna lay down
So help me get the fuck back up”

Zero 9:36 had an incredibly long set for an opener and the crowd loved his entire set. His single, “The End” has a definite Linkin Park vibe. Zero 9:36 is getting bigger and bigger and fills in the rap rock genre that needs more artists.

 

Finally, Nothing More took the stage with a backdrop that has the artwork from “SPIRITS”, a winged skeleton with the Nothing More logo as the skull holding a sword. Singer, Jonny Hawkins entered shirtless and shoeless with make up painted on his body. They started the night with the song “SPIRITS” and then went into their hard hitting hit “Do You Really Want It?”

The full setlist:
1. SPIRITS
2. Do Your Really Want It?
3. Tired of Winning
4. YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT LOVES MEANS
5. Best Times
6. Jenny
7. Let’em Burn
8. Go To War
9. TURN IT UP (Stand In The Fire)
10. Don’t Stop
11. I’ll Be Okay
12. Fade In/Fade Out
13. This Is The Time (Ballast)

For those not familiar with the songs by Nothing More, I am moved by “Jenny” a statement about loved ones of a person suffering from addiction. The frustration and desperation about “Jenny” is conveyed perfectly in the lyrics of this song. Their song-writing has the passion and poetry that make perfect songs.

Their stellar hit “This Is The Time (Ballast)” was saved for last. No encore for the show because the band chooses to have their meet and greet after the show instead of beforehand. Several people purchased the meet and greet which are not available for every show. I cannot wait for you to experience Nothing More live where you are. Their passion is evident in every song of the concert.

Find out when you can catch them live at their website:
Nothing More

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
                                

sources: www.setlist.fm, en.wikipedia.org