Album Review: Nothing by Nothing – A Genre-Bending Sonic Journey
Released in 2015, Nothing by Nothing is the kind of album that doesn’t just sit in one box—it smashes through genre walls like a wrecking ball. With its roots tangled up in rock, metal, and pop, this record throws hardcore punk into the mix for good measure. It’s an international effort too, with ties to Indonesia, Canada, the UK, and France, making it feel like a patchwork quilt stitched together by different cultures but somehow still cohesive.
The credits read like a DIY dream team. Andreas Stavros takes center stage as lead vocalist, guitarist, lyricist, and all-around mastermind, while Joe Pacheco adds his own flair with production chops, backing vocals, and some serious synth wizardry. The result? A raw yet polished sound that feels both intimate and larger-than-life. And let’s not forget Derek Fudge on engineering duties—his work gives the whole thing a crisp edge without losing the grit.
Now, onto the tracks. With over 40 songs packed into this beast of an album, it's hard to pick favorites, but two stand out for me personally: "Who’s That Funky Bitch?! (It’s Mighty Jodie Foster!)" and "Contre-partie."
First off, “Who’s That Funky Bitch?!”—yeah, I know, wild title, right? But don’t let the name fool ya; this track hits like a freight train. It’s got swagger, attitude, and enough energy to power a small city. Joe Pacheco’s bassline slaps so hard you might find yourself checking your speakers for damage. Meanwhile, Andreas Stavros delivers punchy vocals that teeter between snarl and sarcasm. What sticks with me most about this song isn’t just the humor or the groove—it’s how unapologetically chaotic it feels. Like, if punk rock had a love child with funk, this would be it.
Then there’s “Contre-partie,” which flips the script entirely. Where “Funky Bitch” is loud and brash, this one’s hauntingly atmospheric. Joe Pacheco lays down these eerie string arrangements that creep under your skin, while Andreas’ acoustic guitar provides a fragile backbone. The lyrics are cryptic, almost poetic, leaving you guessing what the hell they’re talking about—but damn, does it work. This track feels like walking through fog at midnight: disorienting, beautiful, and kinda scary all at once.
What makes Nothing by Nothing special isn’t just its variety—it’s the way every song feels intentional, even when it shouldn’t. You’ve got everything from mosh-worthy anthems to introspective ballads, and somehow it all fits. Sure, it’s messy in places, but maybe that’s the point. Life’s messy too, after all.
Here’s the kicker though: despite its ambition, the album never tries too hard to impress. It’s confident without being cocky, experimental without being pretentious. Listening to it feels like hanging out with old friends who aren’t afraid to show their quirks—and honestly, isn’t that what great music should do?
So yeah, give Nothing by Nothing a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up stuck on repeat for hours. Or days. Or weeks.
