Nothing – purple strings
Philadelphia’s Nothing strip everything back on “purple strings”, the second single from their upcoming album “a short history of decay”. After the industrial breakbeat assault of “cannibal world”, this one goes quiet and introspective. Nicky Palermo’s vocals sit unfiltered over acoustic guitar, a departure from the band’s usual heavy shoegaze sound. Mary Lattimore’s harp work creates an eerie stillness, while Jason Adams on cello and Camille Getz on violin build the song toward a sweeping climax.
The lyrics explore identity and time, as Palermo wrestles with self-awareness and repetition. Lines about getting ahead of yourself and shadows escaping through narrow spaces suggest someone trying to outrun their patterns. It’s personal and direct, with Palermo’s voice carrying weight without the usual production filters.
This track marks a significant shift for Nothing. The newly solidified lineup includes Doyle Martin and Cam Smith from Cloakroom, Bobb Bruno from Best Coast, and Zachary Jones from Manslaughter 777. Palermo co-wrote and co-produced the album with Whirr’s Nicholas Bassett at Sonic Ranch in Texas. a short history of decay drops February 27 via Run For Cover Records.
The band’s hitting the road hard in 2026, starting with Japan dates alongside Whirr in February, then a massive North American tour with Full Body 2, Cryogeyser, and VMO. Their first UK shows in four years happen in April, followed by their own Slide Away Festival in May with Hum and Chapterhouse celebrating the 10th anniversary of Tired of Tomorrow.
Tour Dates:
Asia
- February 8 – Tokyo, Japan – Unit (with Whirr)
- February 9 – Tokyo, Japan – Fever (with Whirr)
North America
- March 4 – Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage
- March 5 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
- March 6 – Asheville, NC – Eulogy
- March 7 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade Heaven
- March 8 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn
- March 10 – Dallas, TX – Trees
- March 11 – Austin, TX – Mohawk
- March 13 – El Paso, TX – Lowbrow Palace
- March 14 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom
- March 15 – San Diego, CA – SOMA Sidestage
- March 18 – Los Angeles, CA – Belasco
- March 19 – San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom
- March 21 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall
- March 22 – Seattle, WA – Crocodile
- March 26 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line
- March 27 – Chicago, IL – Metro
- March 28 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop
- March 29 – Detroit, MI – El Club
- March 30 – Toronto, ON – Opera House
- March 31 – Montreal, QC – Bar Le Ritz
- April 2 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair
- April 3 – Brooklyn, NY – Warsaw
- April 4 – Philadelphia – Union Transfer
Europe
- April 9 – Dublin, Ireland – Button Factory
- April 10 – Belfast, UK – Oh Yeah Centre
- April 12 – Glasgow, UK – Stereo
- April 14 – Leeds, UK – Brudenell Social Club
- April 15 – Cardiff, UK – Clwb Ifor Bach
- April 16 – London, UK – Moth Club
Slide Away Festival
- May 15-16 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount
- May 22-23 – Chicago, IL – Aragon Ballroom
- May 29-30 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
