“Gouge out the filth.”
Seemingly materializing out of thin air, the great nothing seek to leave their imprint on the UK heavy music scene. Founded in Manchester amidst the pandemic, the three piece consists of vocalist and guitarist Leo Craig, drummer Connor McColl, and bassist Matty Ashton.
In the realm of heavy music that they occupy, they surely push the envelope. With an intriguing sense of rhythm combined with sludgy, low-tuned guitars, they challenge the confines of the broad umbrella term of post-hardcore. Right from their debut single, “coming clean”, they had me intrigued. With its funky rhythms juxtaposed with heavy, 9-string chugs, Craig’s stable vibrato singing is the final piece in the puzzle. It was an unexpected gem from that week’s New Music Friday playlist. Swiftly delivering, we find ourselves at the release of their debut EP, no one.
With their fuzzy, sludge-infused guitars and emphasis on low-end sounds, it’s a no-brainer that acclaimed producer George Lever is behind the mix of this EP. His production style suits the band’s sound like shoes of the perfect size. Following track “dirty dishes” confronts toxic coping mechanisms lyrically. The closing line, “though I am nothing, I am free” truly captures that essence. The track is in parts more uplifting than the previous, but also markedly heavier. One thing that isn’t compromised is the infectious groove that the great nothing have made their signature. Punk beats into breakdowns showcase the versatility of McColl’s drumming.
“the dirt” surely lives up to its name, in delivering unrelenting filth. A menacing and angry track, the darker tone of the song takes on the theme of the inherent desire of temptation, and holding oneself accountable. The instrumentals are unrelentingly punishing, with the down-tuned riffage taking a different level of heavy from before. Craig supplements this with unhinged, aggressive screams previously unheard, all culminating in a disgusting slowdown at the end. The EP shows a clear progression in sound, effectively showcasing the capabilities of the trio.
Album closer and title track “no one.” brings the release full circle by introducing more uplifting sounds again. Leaning heavily into the atmospheric, Lever’s style definitely helps the track to shine in its exceptionally vibey chorus. Precariously balancing the heaviness introduced before with this new dimension of emotion, the result is an impactful closer. Lyrically focused on self-reflection and coming to a new place of acceptance. Musically, the track is diverse, with a spectacularly lengthy solo against a backing of groovy, syncopated chugs serving as the climax to the track’s final act. The longest track on the EP, it does not waste a single minute in creating a grand finisher, ending on a slowdown that drives home the emotion the band is hoping to achieve.
At just four songs, no one. is a complete and cohesive release, a pleasant surprise without a doubt. The release is fun, cathartic, and meaningful, a tight package indicative of the passion of the band. Their sound is a weighty, satisfying crush that takes many familiar sounds and spins them into something unique. This take on post-hardcore can be likened to the sheen of a new pair of sneakers, and its lustre is nowhere close to being lost. I have no doubt that the great nothing will go far from here, and I eagerly await what they will do next.
9/10
no one. is due for release on Thursday, the 7th of September via self-release, and you can find listening links + merchandise here.