Photos and Review by Rebecca Clark
Nothing More brought an incredible night of intense energy to Buffalo Riverworks on September 23rd, supported by a phenomenal lineup of bands: Post Profit, From Ashes to New, and Set It Off. Each band contributed to a powerful experience that left fans buzzing long after the show.
Post Profit kicked off the night with a fiery set, starting with a brand-new song “Speak.” Frontman Matt Jackson showcased his vocal chops without his guitar, and the band’s hit “Too Toxic,” familiar to many Octane listeners, was a crowd-pleaser. Post Profit’s sound, a mix of hard rock, progressive, and alternative influences, held its own among a powerful lineup.
Bassist Charles Horin stood out with his infectious energy, leaping and kicking throughout the set. By the time they launched into “Cancer Culture,” Jackson had jumped off the stage, getting up close and personal with fans. Meanwhile, Koda Pratt, their guitar tech from the band Notions, took over Jackson’s guitar parts and rocked out, keeping the intensity high.
Despite a short set, Post Profit packed in nonstop energy, playing tracks like “When You Think It’s Right,” “Keep Your Excuses,” and “Karmakaze.” They left a lasting impression, and later, they took the time to connect with fans at the merch booth, solidifying the night’s performance with genuine moments of connection.
From Ashes to New took the stage with an explosive presence, warming up the crowd with a playful blast of Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody” before diving headfirst into their own hit, “Nightmare.” The band’s members sported black-painted arms, adding an edgy visual that complemented their intense performance. They unleashed high-energy tracks like “Dead to Me” against a haunting graveyard video backdrop, creating an atmospheric blend of rap and rock that was nothing short of captivating.
Vocalists Danny Case and Matt Brandyberry commanded the stage with magnetic charisma, their dynamic chemistry adding another layer to the show. Case, a Rochester, NY native, had a heartfelt moment with the audience as he acknowledged his mom, dad, and wife, while his mom was cheering from the pit. His appreciation for their unwavering support from a young age made his performance feel even more genuine and personal.
The band kept the energy high, turning the crowd into a sea of lights during “Barely Breathing” and the band started a wild mosh pit during “Panic,” as Case and Brandyberry split the crowd in two. Guitarists Lance Dowdle and Jimmy Bennette looked like rock gods straight out of the fantasy novels ACOTAR, exuding an infectious charisma that complemented Case and Brandyberry’s brotherly chemistry.
Though their set was short, they packed in other hard-hitting tracks like “Heartache,” “Monster in Me,” and closed with the powerful anthem “Through It All.” From Ashes to New delivered an amazing performance that showcased their well-deserved rise to success.
Set It Off kept the momentum rolling with lead singer Cody Carson commanding the crowd’s attention from the start. Mid-song, Carson paused, and the crowd fell silent as he shouted, “Are you fucking ready?” without a mic, his voice echoing through the venue. After a brief, charged pause, he challenged the audience to “prove it,” launching back into the music with full intensity, igniting the energy in the room.
The band’s unique setlist combined fan-favorites like “Killer in the Mirror” with a powerful cover of Linkin Park’s “Points of Authority” and even a jazzy twist of Duke Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing” inspiring their song “Creating Monsters.” Carson didn’t just play music; he engaged the audience in themes of resilience and unity, encouraging them to focus on the music and let go of outside distractions like politics.
One of the highlights came when drummer Maxx Danziger and Carson switched roles, with Carson taking to the drums for “Sleep When I’m Dead,” adding a thrilling twist to the performance. Set It Off kept the energy high with tracks like “The Haunting,” “Fake Ass Friends,” and “Punching Bag,” and it was amazing to see fans singing along to every lyric.
As an independent band with a strong DIY spirit, Set It Off has built a devoted fanbase from the ground up, and it was clear that they were thrilled to be on stage with such passionate fans. Their resilience, authenticity, and dedication to their craft shone through every moment of their performance.
Finally, Nothing More took the stage, kicking off with a mix of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and “Carnal” from their latest album Carnal. They dove into a powerful trio of tracks: “House of Sand,” “Angel Song,” and “If it Doesn’t Hurt” mirroring the album’s opening sequence and setting the night ablaze.
Nothing More’s new album clearly struck a chord with their fans as it was incredible seeing so many singing along even to songs that aren’t radio hits yet, like “Free Fall” and “Existential Dread.” Lead vocalist Jonny Hawkins even gave a shoutout to all the fans singing along to the fresh tracks—it was awesome to see the crowd so into it!
Guitarist Mark Vollelunga brought the crowd into the performance, jumping off stage and holding his guitar out while walking past the front-row inviting fans to strum his guitar. Later in the set, Vollelunga dedicated “Fade In/Fade Out” to Whynn, a fan in the audience, sharing the song’s inspiration, his relationship with his son which added an intimate moment to the evening.
Lead vocalist Jonny Hawkins was a force of nature, pouring emotion into every note and connecting with the audience on a visceral level. Hawkins is undeniably one of rock genre’s best frontmen; he vibrates so much high energy that his passion flows straight from his heart into the crowd.
Bassist Daniel Oliver and drummer Ben Anderson locked in with relentless rhythm, driving the band’s high-energy set with precision and power, laying down a rock-solid foundation that kept the crowd moving and the intensity sky-high from start to finish.
After “Tired of Winning,” Anderson’s drum solo effortlessly transitioned into “Ships in the Night,” mimicking the seamless flow of their album Spirits. The band continued this trend throughout the night, skillfully weaving in album intros like Carnal’s “Head” before “Existential Dread” and The Stories We Tell Ourselves’ “Convict/Divide” leading into “Let ’em Burn,” making it feel like a live journey through their discography.
For the grand finale, the crew set up ladders in the pit, signaling a final, significant moment. True to their no-encore philosophy, Nothing More poured every ounce of energy into the last song “This Is The Time (Bellfast.)” Hawkins, Vollelunga, and Oliver descended into the crowd, climbing onto the ladders and interacting face-to-face with fans. Jonny played handheld drums that fans held aloft, while Vollelunga and Oliver shredded passionately alongside them. It was a raw, fervent finish that underscored Nothing More’s deep, unfiltered connection with their fans—a fitting end to a night of intensity and shared energy.
Be sure to catch Nothing More on tour—you won’t regret it. They’re a highly talented group of musicians who bring authenticity, raw emotion, and a real connection to every performance. They’re currently on tour with Godsmack and will be joining Disturbed in the spring, making their shows a must-see for rock fans everywhere.
Be sure to check out our interview with Bassist Daniel Oliver!