The first Nothing album to be released via Run for Cover Records, ‘A Short History of Decay’ finds Domenic “Nicky” Palermo ruminating on his past behavious, family issues and a health condition that causes his body to shake uncontrollably, both physically and verbally…

‘When I was young, life was easy’ are the words that run through album opener ‘Never Come Never Morning’, a Death Cab-style slice of indie rock full of nostalgic memories and recollections. Things take an industrial turn on the more aggressive ‘Cannibal World’, a song that captures the ethos of its title with loud experimentalism, mathy riffs and distorted, echoed vocals. The title track follows with more electronic tones that shatter your eardrums in the most perfect way.

‘Purple Strings’ is quieter before with subtle strings and emotive thoughts – ‘I’m getting ahead of myself time and again’ – before ‘Toothless Coal’ turns the guitars up in twisty fashion, recalling 65daysofstatic at times. ‘Ballet of the Traitor’ heads back into a more intense shoegazey sound. It’s hauntingly and deliberately put together, with the music building up post-rock style around the hushed vocals.

‘Nerve Scales’ has jazzier elements running through while ‘Essential Tremors’ is a rhythmic and circular piece with talk of losing sleep, trying to find a way forward and the declaration of ‘You’re my favourite’.

Immersive, passionate and powerful, Nothing’s fifth album offers an unflinchingly honest account of life’s mis-steps and tribulations.