The boundary-pushing 3 times Grammy-nominated outfit Nothing More – featuring Jonny Hawkins (Vocals), Mark Vollelunga (Guitar), Daniel Oliver (Bass), and Ben Anderson (Drums) – has released a deluxe edition of their acclaimed 2024 album Carnal across all digital outlets via Better Noise Music, with CD and vinyl editions due 16th May and available here.
Carnal (Deluxe) adds on five bonus tracks, including a new version of the bracing ‘Freefall’, featuring 6 times platinum-certified rock artist Chris Daughtry, available now on all digital outlets. The ‘Freefall’ video movingly tells the story about a firefighter who is struggling with his mental health and unexpectedly finds a new life-direction after making a chance connection with a homeless dog. Nothing More teamed up again with director Stephen Wayne Mallet (who did the same honours for the band’s ‘Fade In, Fade Out’ video, from 2017’s The Stories We Tell Ourselves album, which has over 10M views).
“We wrote an anthem for the people who find themselves in an uncertain and chaotic phase of their life,” explained Jonny Hawkins about ‘Freefall’. “Every single one of us have had, or will have, experiences where it feels like the rug is pulled from under us… An end to a relationship, a job loss, or the death of a close family member. These times can be filled with anxiety, or they can be filled with spiritual euphoria as we accept our transformation. We’ve always believed that our losses are invitations to ascend to a higher level of reality… And this song is our way of encapsulating that realization. Chris Daughtry elevated that feeling with his soaring and pristine vocals. We are so honoured to have him on one of the best songs we’ve ever written.”
The video – filmed in Clifton, Tennessee, USA – features the town’s fire chief and sheriff, who also served as technical advisors on the subject matter. In casting for this narrative-driven video, the band prioritized collaborating with individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by firefighters and first responders. To ensure even more authenticity, they enlisted real-life heroes as technical advisors. Additionally, director/actor Michael Lombardi was asked by the band to star in the video because of his personal experience and affiliation with firefighters. Lombardi is well-known for his role as a series regular in the acclaimed FX series Rescue Me, that aired for 100 episodes and received multiple Golden Globe and Emmy nominations and wins and delved into the lives of firefighters grappling with real-life issues, including the aftermath of 9/11 trauma and personal struggles.
“Nothing More have always wanted our music and lyrics to be a shelter for those in need,” says guitarist Vollelunga. “With ‘Freefall’, we want to let people know they are not alone when it feels like everything is collapsing around you. So we did something really special; we teamed up with K9s For Warriors to bring more awareness to those that struggle with PTSD and mental health trauma. It’s their mission to train service dogs and pair them up with veterans and therapy dogs for first responders in need. We fully believe in the power these animals have to help create peace and bring about healthy changes in their companions. I recently met my county constable, Kathryn Brown, who was given a therapy dog from K9s For Warriors and she shared with me just how much Biggie, makes her station and life unbelievably better. So, let’s get more of these service dogs and therapy dogs trained and paired up with veterans and first responders in need! I personally know that by rescuing animals, my family and life has been enriched tenfold. And I would say that even though we might think we’re the ones doing the rescuing… they are actually rescuing us.”
In connection with the song and video release, the band will be featuring pet-related merchandise on its official website, with a portion of proceeds supporting organizations like K9s For Warriors. Additionally, a donation link will be included in the video, allowing for donations to be made directly to the organisation’s website.
Four other bonus tracks on Carnal (Deluxe) include a live version of the ‘Angel Song’ recorded from the band’s set at Aftershock Festival 2024 where Nothing More was joined onstage by guest vocalist David Draimanof Disturbed; two remixed songs from Matt Good (Hollywood Undead, Asking Alexandria) and Justin ‘JD’ Deblieck (Ice Nine Kills, Motionless In White); plus a new song that was released on 7th February, ‘We’re All Gonna Die’ that can be streamed/downloaded here.
Nothing More will appear on stages across the U.S. this spring with Disturbed and Daughtry in addition to headlining shows throughout the trek which will alternate support from Kingdom Collapse and Mike’s Dead on select dates, and appearances at festivals throughout Europe. Tickets and VIP meet-and-greet packages are available now on the band’s official website.
