NOTHING MORE, OF MICE & MEN, BADFLOWER AND PALISADES

 

 

Thanks to my rock and roll buddy Ed Mayzel and Mike Karolyi from I-Rock Radio I was blessed to catch Nothing More‘s “The Truth Tour” at the Webster Theater in Hartford. Even though it was a cold Monday night the venue was packed. Not only was there a large draw for Nothing More but each of their support acts were headliners in their own right. Of Mice & Men, Badflower (who I reviewed when they opened for the Struts at College Street Music Hall in New Haven), and New Jersey upstarts Palisades were a perfect fit for Nothing More.

First band up was Palisades from Iselin, New Jersey (my cousin’s home town). Having been following the band for the past year I was stoked they were on the bill. The band composed of Louis Miceli (Vocals), Matt Marshall (Guitar), Xavier Adames (Guitar), Brandon Elgar (Bass) and Aaron Rosa (Drums) is hard hitting and dynamic. They dropped their driving newest release, Erase The Pain, in 2018. They opened up with “War” off Erase The Pain and the crowd responded enthusiastically. As they went deeper into their set, the crowd got more animated. By the time Palisades got to “Vendetta” and “Let Down” the audience was totally enthralled. They closed out with “Erase the Pain” and I’m sure they converted quite a few new souls.

Palisades was followed by Badflower. Badflower‘s line-up is Josh Katz (Vocals/Guitar). Joey Morrow (Guitar), Anthony Sonetti (Drums) and Alex Espiritu (Bass). What can I say about Badflower. They are probably one of the hottest new bands around. Their 2019 debut album, Ok, I’m Sick, is monstrous.The record deals with human frailties including suicide, addiction and mental illness. Live the band kicks ass. Their stage pressence is captivating and Josh Katz’s charisma is off the chart. Throughout their 7 song set the room roared. They opened with “X Ana X” and went right into “Drop Dead”. Their last three songs “Heroin”, “Ghost” and “Animal” brought the house down. Not only are the songs infectious, Badflower sucks the congregation fully into their live show. Badflower is a vibrant addition to today’s music.

The one bummer of the night was the fact that Of Mice & Men didn’t get the opportunity to perform. Vocalist/Bassist Aaron Pauley was rushed to the hospital right before the show. When the audience was informed a wave of solidarity for Pauley and Of Mice & Men swept through the theater. Thankfully after testing Pauley was released with a clean bill of health.

Last but not least, San Antonio’s Nothing More. Nothing More came out like gangbusters with impressive staging . Their first song was “Let ‘Em Burn” and from the first note the band was thunderous. Jonny Hawkins’ vocals were sharp and extremely powerful. Both Mark Vollelunga’s guitar and Daniel Oliver’s bass were gigantic. Ben Anderson’s drums were booming. The band’s energy was monumental.

Nothing More played hit after hit with the throng in total ecstasy. The combination of “Don’t Stop”, “Funny Little Creatures”, “Go To War” and “Do You Really Want It?” had the crowd manic. Later in the set Nothing More performed “Jenny”, “Tunnels” and “Fadein/Fadeout” and their fans were again electrified.

Nothing More wouldn’t let up. “This Is The Time (Ballast), the Queen cover “We Will Rock You” and “Salem (Burn The Witch)” ended the show and left the room in rapture.

During one of their interludes Hawkins explained that this tour was important for the band. From the few U.S. shows left Nothing More travels to Europe and then back in the studio for a new album. Me and everyone else at the Webster can’t wait.

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