If you threw Joe Cocker, Bruce Springsteen, Green Day and Bon Jovi into a musical blender - and added a dash of Lynyrd Skynyrd - you’d have Nothington. It may take two or three listens to become a fan, but it’s worth it. They’ve produced a simple album, full of heart and good music. All In is a worthy debut.

Singer Jay Northington gives the band a stand out vocal presence with his vicious growl. At first, it might be a little annoying - you may find yourself wishing he’d clear all that phlegm out of his throat before he gets in front of the microphone. But he imbues the snarling lyrics with sentiment and eventually wins you over. Chris Mutalich also does vocal duties, and he brings a definite Green Day-inspired punk element to the mix.

The songwriting is heartfelt. It’s got the sincerity of Springsteen or maybe the latter day Bon Jovi. Each song has a sense of reality, of connection. Additionally, there is the ever present feeling of defiance. That’s an essential part of good old punk rock and it breaks through in the rough riffs and screeching vocals. That attitude is showcased in the track “Where This Is Going.” But the sentimental and emotional side comes out with tracks like “This Time Last Year.” Excellent songs played with excellent skill.

The music itself is unique. The punk rock element is certainly there. Yet, underneath it is a southern blues rock element, like an angry Lynyrd Skynyrd or .38 Special. Like the vocals, the guitar has a rough surface to it. Even the acoustic sections sound abrasive. The drummer, Gabe Lindman, plays fast and adds a nice pop to the band’s sound. Together with bass player Mike Hicks, they add urgency to the songs. Defiant, urgent, abrasive; three good adjectives for Nothington.

They’ve said they want to find their punk rock roots, “something simple and not complicated by business or genres or the latest fad.” They’ve taken a big step in accomplishing those goals. This album is simple and heartfelt. It’s a pleasure to listen to and add to a music library.