ALBUM REVIEW: Carnal – Nothing More

Coming 10 years after their breakout self-funded record Nothing More, and 20 years after the release of their debut full-length Shelter, Texas rock outfit NOTHING MORE are back once again with their latest offering Carnal.

NOTHING MORE have had nothing short of a phenomenal career. With hit album after hit album, a portfolio of collaborative works, and sell-out tours around the USA and beyond, it’s only natural to be excited by the arrival of a new record. Opening with the introduction of | CARNAL |, a specifically styled track that will repeat throughout the album’s play-through, the scene is set. The energy rises, the power grows stronger within the band, and the album properly kicks off with HOUSE ON SAND. Featuring the vocals of I PREVAIL’s own Eric Vanlerberghe, there is no warning. There is no preparation, and none is needed. As expressed in the track, these rockers are indeed “going apeshit” and it’s never felt more fun or invigoratingly intense.

Following on is the popular single IF IT DOESN’T HURT, a song that became a quick fan-favourite among the band’s fans, and a favourite after its featured play in WWE’s WrestleMania XL. Heavy and hard-hitting, it takes a blend of the soulful and the sinister, mixing melodic and unclean vocals to artistically demonstrate the most ambiguous and confusing of emotions. Humanity is both easy and difficult to figure out and understand, both from firsthand experience or outside perspectives; the style of NOTHING MORE’s music in this record can perfectly show this balance, clear enough for anyone to hear and understand.

Carnal is broken up by sound clip-led intervals, starting with | CARNAL | and continuing on with | HEAD |, | HEART |, | SIGHT | and | SOUND |. The separating track between the second and third in this series, titled EXISTENTIAL DREAD, truly is a representation of balancing between one’s head and one’s heart – in more ways than one. Being four minutes of fear and anxiety, set to a steady rock beat and the tortured nature of Jonny Hawkins’ vocals, it’s a stand out track on the record. One that passes on the twisted truth through a catchy melody and flurry of sounds, it’s a track to either dance to, mosh to, or sit alone and think through all of one’s life choices to. All options are appropriate.

Let’s also not ignore that NOTHING MORE are not stuck in their box of being a heavy rock band. With track such as GIVE IT TIME showcasing the slightly softer side of the genre, it’s a more modern-day example of how rock as an overall sound has evolved and changed to work alongside elements of other styles around it. With many acts that would wear the ‘heavy rock’ label back in the day now fusing elements of dance, electronic, pop, rap and indie in their latest work, it’s a sign of embracing the now and not grasping onto the then, being ready and willing to move with trends and not be afraid to peck out of the pigeonhole.

Winding down with RUN FOR YOUR LIFE is an accurate yet inaccurate turn of phrase. NOTHING MORE have not at all taken any chance to wind down or slow their pace as the record nears its end. The best ones don’t need to: all rise, no fall. Carnal as a full-length effort is a piece of art that captures the bare bones and innermost layers of humanity, and does it in a thrilling and fascinating manner. With great production, an unexpected variety of sounds, styles and tempos, and the addition of elements such as upbeat nu-metal-like percussion and sound clips breaking up the record, it’s an album that does not just request to be played in full. It demands to be appreciated in its full, unedited form.

Rating: 9/10

Carnal is out now via Better Noise Music.

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