Nothing More Expand With 'Carnal' Deluxe

Left to right: Daniel Oliver, Ben Anderson, Jonny Hawkins, Mark Vollelunga (Credit: Travis Shinn)

Nothing More has come a long way from their San Antonio roots. Like most bands, they had their struggles in the beginning. The major breakthrough came with 2013’s self-titled album, and they never looked back. Their unique blend of music styles defy definition. The subtle blend of alternative and heavy rock sounds mixed with spoken word and hard guitar riffs, show the depth the band goes to create their sound.

The deluxe version of Carnal is loaded with 5 extra offerings. One new song, “We’re All Gonna Die”, and remixes of 3 original Carnal tracks. Oddly enough, even though I am not always a big fan of remixes, two of these are my favorites on the entire album!

The track “Freefall” has been remixed as a duet with Chris Daughtry. This powerhouse duet vocal talent makes the song explode. The original is great, but there is something about the voices of frontman Jonny Hawkins with Chris Daughty together. It brings a deeper feeling with the mental health theme of the song.

The song “Angel Song”, with Disturbed’s David Draimen has two extra track listings. One is a live version from the Aftershock festival last year. The last track of this album has what is called the JD remix. The song has fantastic use of Draimen’s powerful vocal range. This is displayed wonderfully in an acapella harmonized part of the remix. The whole remix is a bit harder, and has a slight more, for lack of a better word, techno feel. I think this fits extremely well with the vocals, and the backing rhythmic beats. It’s definitely my favorite of the entire album.

If these remixes are any indication of the evolvement of Nothing More’s sound, I can’t wait to see what’s next! I am a late comer to their music, only finding them a couple years ago. I’ve been following them ever since. I highly encourage you to check them out!

I’m Music Magazine Photographer/Writer Michele Hancock