December 27, 2016
It’s been 3 years since “Hesitation Marks” and Nine Inch Nails are back with a vengeance. Nine Inch Nails featuring the newest member Atticus Ross, Reznors longtime collaborator, have released their newest EP, “Not The Actual Events.” The album also features Dave Grohl, Dave Navarro and Reznors wife, Mariqueen Maandig.The album starts off with “Branches/ Bones” which has smooth vocals with distorted instruments. The track immediately grabs and takes you on a ride back into the world of Nine Inch Nails. The second track, “Dear World,” brings you back to the era of “With Teeth” with the sounds of Hesitation Marks.
Reznor sees the world differently with his thoughts on isolation. The track has great synthesizers with the electronic drums keeping a steady beat throughout the song. “She’s Gone Away” takes you on a journey that almost feels like the world is ending before your eyes. Reznor’s voice echoes through the song with a deep voice echoing “shes gone, shes gone, shes gone away”. The song almost has a tribal like feel with the drums and music swaying back and forth. The track will remind people who know Atticus Ross and Reznor’s work on movies what these two are truly capable of and that’s setting a mood. This track also features Reznors wife, Mariqueen Maandig, giving haunting backing vocals.
The “Idea of You” is the most straightforward track which takes you back to the Fragile era. It’s the track where Dave Grohl pounds away with the heavy guitar and shows Nine Inch Nails have no intention of slowing down ever. For those who loved With Teeth, you’ll be excited to hear what feels like the continuation of that record.
The album ends with “Burning Bright (Field On Fire), the first track released from the album and what will most likely be a great live staple. This track features Dave Navarro playing distorted guitar that makes it almost feels like reznor is a million miles away. Reznor pushing his vocals through the distortion and yells “Breathe, Breathe, Breathe, Break Through The Surface”. His vocal breaking through the guitar at times yet so buried make this track a great way to end such a beautiful EP. Not The Actual Events shows Nine Inch Nails have never stopped growing.
Those old and new to Nine Inch Nails will have a lot to look forward to with this EP. From atmosphere to in your face music, in the end, Nine Inch Nails have created yet another genius record and will continue to do so for years to come.
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