Nothing More Elevates Los Angeles in Wake of New Album SPIRITS
Alt-metal rockers Nothing More stopped in Los Angeles earlier this week while on tour supporting In This Moment. Originally formed in Texas, the band consists of Jonny Hawkins (vocals), Mark Vollelunga (guitar), Daniel Oliver (bass) and Ben Anderson (drums). The band released their brand new album, SPIRITS, a few days after their show — just in time to drive up the anticipation.
The Wiltern was packed front to back with eagerly awaiting fans representing all musical subgenres. The particular blend of sound that Nothing More radiates is unique in that it attracts listeners from all over the rock spectrum. Opening acts Cherry Bombs and Sleep Token set the stakes high ahead of Nothing More’s performance — though they easily exceeded any and all marks with their high-octane energy and alluring stage presence.
Nothing More notoriously creates visually intriguing performances that are truly incomparable. Lead singer Jonny Hawkins emerged painted in swatches of red and black paint, accented by color-complementary lighting with his bandmates both playing percussion instruments positioned sidestage in addition to their drummer. The band served up impeccable crowd interaction and had everyone hitting the ceiling throughout the entire show. The most impressive and well-known part of their performance came from the infamous “Scorpion Tail” — a 14-foot musical vessel made of steel, car and motorcycle parts. Hawkins climbed aboard wrestling the monstrous machine that was constructed to allow him to manipulate the band’s live sound. In between hammering the attached drum kit, he orchestrated the band’s output in real time — creating a distorted sound tailored to each individual instrument on stage.
The setlist included tracks from ‘The Stories We Tell Ourselves’ as well as their self-titled album, and their (then) unreleased record. SPIRITS has since dropped and is now available on all platforms. It features the hit single “YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT LOVES MEANS” amongst others. Check out https://nothingmore.net/ for a complete guide to Nothing More’s new album as well as their remaining tour dates across the United States.
Meet the Artist
Bred in Philadelphia, Nikki Phillips has now called Los Angeles home for the past decade. Shooting all things music, you can find her anywhere from pop punk to metalcore shows and everything in between. Nikki strives to capture artists in their natural element both on and off the stage. She also revels in candid and black and white photography.