In a welcomed, but not unexpected shift, nothing,nowhere.’s latest single “Counterfeit” arrives like a lightning bolt of pop-punk nostalgia, with angsty guitar riffs, infectious energy, and a vocal performance that feels both evolved and emotionally raw. For long-time fans of Joe Mulherin’s genre-blending catalogue, where trap beats, emo lyricism, and alt-hip hop have often defined his sound, this single is a noticeable left turn. It’s also one of his strongest efforts to date.

From the first few bars, “Counterfeit” establishes itself firmly within the modern pop-punk canon. What’s immediately striking is just how catchy the song is. The chorus is soaring, anthemic, and easy to remember after a single listen. The phrasing, tone, and cadence will likely remind listeners of early Yungblud, particularly the 21st Century Liability era, where British punk snarl met theatrical vulnerability. There’s also a clear vocal resemblance to Neck Deep’s Ben Barlow, particularly in the way nothing,nowhere. leans into his upper register and delivers lines with that unmistakable pop-punk urgency.

Lyrically, “Counterfeit” doesn’t break new ground for the genre; topics of betrayal, self-doubt, and disillusionment are well-trodden paths, but that’s not a flaw here. Instead, it works as a kind of embrace, a nod to the foundational themes that gave early 2000s pop-punk its emotional bite. There’s catharsis in the simplicity. The power lies not in reinventing the wheel, but in showing how effectively nothing,nowhere. can now ride it.

Vocally, this is arguably some of his best work. There’s more clarity, more control, and more emotionally invested grit in his delivery. Where earlier tracks sometimes leaned into detachment or atmospheric production to carry the feeling, “Counterfeit” puts the focus squarely on his voice. It’s not overly polished, which works in its favour, it’s raw enough to feel real, especially in the final chorus where the desperation builds and bubbles over.

Production-wise, the track is clean but not sterile. The guitars are crunchy without being overly processed, the drums hit hard with plenty of room in the mix, and there’s just enough layering in the background to fill out the sound without overwhelming it. It’s reminiscent of the recent resurgence of alt-punk aesthetics, bands like Meet Me @ The Altar, Magnolia Park, and even newer Blink-182 material, but it still feels distinctly like nothing,nowhere., just seen through a different lens.

For fans who’ve followed Mulherin since his earlier lo-fi emo-rap days, “Counterfeit” might feel like a radical departure. But in many ways, this song makes perfect sense. It’s the evolution of an artist who’s always been unafraid to explore the grey area between genres, and now he’s stepping fully into a scene that has been experiencing a cultural renaissance.

“Counterfeit” doesn’t just suggest a new era for nothing,nowhere., it announces it. Loudly. And if this is any indication of what’s to come, fans should be excited. Whether you’re a diehard fan of his earlier work or someone with a pop-punk-shaped hole in your heart, this single is a must-listen. It’s short, sharp, and emotionally resonant. To put it simply, it’s everything a great pop-punk track should be.