Nothing,Nowhere (w/ Lontalius, Sullii) @ The Garage (London, UK) on October 24, 2018 [Show Review w/ Photos]

There was a noticeable buzz in the London air judging by the queue snaking halfway down London’s Holloway Road. The buzz was for the return of Joe Mulherin, better known as his pseudonym Nothing,Nowhere. He was last on these shores back in January supporting U.S. pop-punk giants Good Charlotte in the run-up to the release of his brilliant third album Ruiner, which meant a return to the UK was very much anticipated.

Within months, however, came an unexpected cancellation of all touring activities in order to battle severe anxiety and depression which caused uncertainty around if we would see a return to touring in 2018. Thankfully, that decision to take time out has allowed Mulherin to gain the help he needed to recover and ensure that crowds, not only around the UK and Europe but at this sold-out London Garage venue, were in for a great night.

Check out the “Rejector” video taken from the latest Nothing,Nowhere album Ruiner.

Singer Josh Rogers aka Sullii was up first with a superb mix of chilled out emo vibes. Rogers, who also sings for the UK band Crooks, exudes confidence with soulful vocals sung over minimalist beats and melodic piano lines, showcasing tracks like the excellent “Pallettown” and “Kodama” which for such a new project resonate surprising well.

New Zealand’s Lontalius was up next and cut a lonely figure up on the stage with just his guitar for company. His brand of emotive alternative indie, although captivating, did split the audience somewhat, with many expecting a more upbeat and engaging prelude to the evening’s headliner. As good as songs like “Sleep Thru Your Alarms” and “Comfortable” are, they, unfortunately, got lost in a big venue with an expectant crowd wanting more.

Take a gander at some of Ben Firth’s live shots of Nothing,Nowhere.

The latter did mean, however, that once Nothing,Nowhere hit the stage accompanied by a live drummer and guitarist, the packed venue responded with an enthusiastic welcome, one which Mulherin soaked up by cutting a commanding figure singing above an enthused and vocal audience on “Clarity In Kerosene” whilst his recent battle with mental health is described in a passionate honesty through the lyrical brilliance of new single “Dread.” Tracks including “Vacanter,” “Better” and “Rejector” from the album Ruiner are received particularly well, and sit effortlessly against older cuts like “Skully,” “Twenty Something,” “Deadbeat Valentine” and the crowd favorite “Hopes Up” from his sophomore Reaper.

Mulherin paces the stage and engages the captivated crowd with an upbeat energy and passion, creating a highly memorable performance ending with “Hammer” and the wall of guitar distortion at the end of an emotional “Nevermore.” Nothing,Nowhere fans will be talking about this show for a long while yet, and deservedly so.