Few bands can command a room quite like Nothing More. Their recent stop in Dallas, TX was a crowd-pleaser, with fans showing up despite an approaching winter storm later that evening. As long as the roads remained safe—the show pressed on. Nothing More delivered with the kind of intensity and connection they're known for.
Frontman Jonny Hawkins engaged the crowd with explosive energy, leaning over the stage and moving with clear intention throughout the set. Hawkins fully immersed himself in the performance, and the energy on the stage was unmatched! Through their connection with the crowd, Nothing More made the large venue feel surprisingly intimate. The night opened up with sets from Doobie, followed by Archers and Catch Your Breath, and the venue continued to fill up as the night went on, despite the winter chill outside. It was a night to remember for sure!
Doobie
Doobie was a new discovery for me, and their set quickly made me a fan. They brought an infectious energy to the stage, blending indie pop and lo-fi influences in a way that felt effortless.
Doobie released their debut album, "Giver 'Em Hell Until You Get to Heaven," last May and has had one hell of a ride since. According to Doobie's heartfelt chat with us, they've landed radio play, appeared on billboards three times, and booked their first festivals—all within the first year of that debut release. Their gratitude toward fans was obvious throughout the set, and judging by the crowd's response, they definitely made several new fans at the Southside Ballroom.
Doobie first began his music career in hip hop before trying his hand at rock, drawing inspiration from his longtime love of classic rock—he blends the two genres seamlessly. I'm excited to see where his music goes next and how his style continues to evolve. If I had to pick a standout song from the set, it would be "Hate Song." "Until I Get to Heaven" is their anthem song—100%. "Dig Up The Hatchet" has a very radio-friendly hook, and I can see it going viral. Whether Doobie is your style or not, you'll find yourself rocking along and headbanging to the catchy beats and deep lyrics. "Not Enough Souls" reminded me of Magnolia Park vibes with the modern alt-rock feel to it.
After the show I gave them a deeper listen and found myself returning to it throughout the day while editing photos. I'm easily drawn in by the soft but impactful delivery of their music. If you're looking for something laid-back with a blend of hip hop and rock influences, I highly recommend giving Doobie a listen.
Archers
Archers are a rising force in the metalcore scene, recently signing with Fearless Records—so we know we can expect great things from them in the future. We were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at their first upcoming release under the label, and it was an absolute thrill to hear live.
They got the crowd moving during "Never Enough," encouraging the room to split down the middle for a wall of death. This was the moment the audience began to participate and move around more.
"Bitter" was so good to experience live. It's catchy, commanding, and encapsulates that feeling when you find your voice and say exactly what you mean. "Bitter" carries a very bold, no-holding-back confidence, and I was fully here for it. I also loved hearing "Perfect Strangers" and "Making Eyes," both of which the crowd seemed to equally enjoy.
I can't wait to see Archers live again and to watch how their sound continues to grow and evolve. I foresee their fanbase growing quickly!
Catch Your Breath
My fandom only increased after seeing Catch Your Breath live. It's hard to put into words just how good they are. Their performance was seamless from start to finish, and Josh's voice carried beautifully throughout the venue. "Dial Tone" was, of course, a crowd favorite, with the entire room singing along. We also got to hear their newly released song "Lost," which debuted the same day—and that one will absolutely be on repeat in my house this week. Pause right now and give it a listen below.
One of the most impactful parts of the night was the sense of family the band created. At one point, the show briefly paused while security handled a situation in the crowd. Vocalist Josh addressed the room, reminding everyone, "It's a concert, friends. We're all here to have fun, look out for one another, and keep each other safe. No violence will be tolerated at a CYB show." During "Y.S.K.W.," the band also shared a heartfelt message for anyone struggling with addiction—that you're not alone, and that they're so grateful you're still here. It was a powerful moment, and you could truly feel the love they have for their fans and for people in general.
Some of my standout moments from the set were "21 Gun Salute," "Dial Tone," "Ghost Inside The Shell," "Deadly," and the intimate calm that followed the crowd interruption, when Josh sang "Good In Goodbye." The room felt completely at peace in that moment. It was a reminder of how music can bring people together. This song felt like a hug. "Savages" was also excellent. I genuinely loved their set from start to finish.
Nothing More
Nothing More can be described in one word: epic. From the middle to the end of their set, the number of crowd surfers was unreal. Not many bands can command a room the way Nothing More does, and their energy is truly unmatched.
Jonny Hawkins doesn't just sing the songs—he embodies them. He commanded the stage through fierce connection by locking eyes with the crowd, pacing with confidence, then dropping into more raw and vulnerable poses before surging back up with intensity. The band as a whole has a magnetic stage presence, and I loved noticing the communal feel between them. I felt more of a brotherly vibe than a bandmate vibe. The subtle interactions and unspoken communication on stage, both during and between songs, reflect their years of chemistry built through long stretches of touring and making music together.
One of the most memorable moments of the night was the extended drum solo by Ben Anderson and Jonny Hawkins. It was jaw-dropping seeing their stamina—and I especially loved the drum tech, finger drumming along with gusto side stage. Another standout moment was their performance of "Jenny," which their fans know is a deeply personal song about Jonny's sister and the emotional toll of watching her struggle with addiction. The weight of that story is felt every time it's performed live.
"Mr. MTV" perfectly showcased the band's creativity and high energy. I think it was one of the more theatrical songs of the night, with every band member fully present and dancing while jamming. I was tired before the end of the set, but the band's energy continued to peak. Nothing More left the crowd tired and exhausted from an amazing night of live music, ready to go home and hit the sack to wake up to a Dallas version of a 'snow day' come morning. I'm convinced Nothing More is one of the most compelling live bands today—and fans who've seen them live never miss an opportunity to catch them when they pass through on tour. If you have the chance to get tickets to see The Carnal Nature World Tour, I wouldn't waste the opportunity!
