It has been a long time coming but it is here now and you can stream the whole album to check it out here on the Guardian website. From the opener 'The eater of dreams' you know you are going to be in for one hell of a good ride! First listen through and 'Copy of A' really sticks out as a totally awesome track. I know some people don't like the single 'Come back haunted' but I actually really love it and in particular (as with all NIN videos) I think the video is awesome (wish I had made it!)
'All time low' certainly has a different vibe to it, but it is so mediatory, and the groove is infectious. On the whole, the album has a real depth to it and whilst there is a little bit of over use of arpeggiator and bit crunching plug ins, it really does sound fresh and new. There are elements that we expect from a NIN album and they are there in abundance. There are some real little surprises as well and I don't want to spoil them! 'In two' has a very catchy arpeggiated riff, it is slightly disjointed in my opinion, I think it would well in a live context, but it is probably my least favourite track on the album, only in comparison to the others.' While I am still here' is pretty simple in it's construction, but I think the minimalism of the tracks works well with Trent's lyrics, although unusually quite up-beat! Against convention, you feel like you are waiting for the big NIN style chorus modulation, but it doesn't come and I think that is fantastic as it makes one feel a little more on edge. Love the little trumpetesque part at the end!
'Black noise' is a great closer, which really does leave me wanting more and hoping that this isn't the last we hear from Mr Reznor.
I have to say that it would seem that Trent is a slightly happier character these days, although lyrically there certainly is some misery there, it isn't of the same level of complete despair that we have on 'The Fragile', again this probably isn't a mind blowingly awesome as that album or Downward Spiral, but is absolutely fantastic! The album sounds rather more pristine and not as gritty as something which had been mixed and mastered in the analogue world, but I do think it allows for the characterisation of the analogue synths to cut through....guess I would have like a bit more grit and warmth...but hey I am old school!
From the artwork (which I think is sublime!), through to the attitude is really is a true return to form, just preparing the iPod to have this on repeat for some time!
EnjoyPeaceNeil