Nine Inch Nails – With Teeth
It’s been over five years since our boy Trent has graced us with his presence. The previous LP was that double disc job “The Fragile” while it was a good album, it was a transition for Trent . “With Teeth” returns to a more striped down affair. The album as whole is a bit more polished and there is two songs with “love” in the title.
“All The Love In The World” starts off with a slow little beat and Trent ‘s vocal just slides on over it. It slowly starts to build and the piano bit in there is fantastic. It’s simple but very effective. “You Know What You Are?” is classic NIN, that is reminiscent of say Starfckers or something off Pretty Hate Machine. It’s fast, and really loud. The hook of “don’t you fucking know who you are” is cheesy yes but dam it it sounds great. “The Hand That Feeds” is the single we have all been going crazy for. It’s the closest thing to a pop song that they have ever written. “Love Is Not Enough” here is song number two with love in the title. Are you ok Trent ? This one is a bit more experimental. The drums here are very loud and industrial but everything else is just some odd distorted guitars and Trent never really gets loud. “With Teeth” one of the craziest songs on here, it starts off in say a more traditional NIN fashion. Then at about three minutes in the song suddenly stops into a quiet piano bit with Trent sounding barley audible. The last minute is outstanding, great tune. “Only” this has to be the strangest album track. No one could have seen this coming. The track starts off with an eighties dance beat and Trent has a very David Byrne like delivery here. Its got a great back beat to it. Different for Trent but it works somehow. “Line Begins To Blur” the intro is very raw and dirty. The live drums really add to everything. The heavy verses plus the slower hook make for a gorgeous song. “Right Where It Belongs” is a slow number full of pain and emotion… just how he likes to end the records.
This is certainly is a different album for the band. There is a bit more experimentation, different effects, more piano, and songs about love. For the diehard fans of the older stuff precede with caution you might be a bit disappointed. But otherwise this is a great comeback disc.
By John Siwicki
The Rakes – Retreat
With the release of each new Rakes single, it becomes even more challenging to pin down their sound. Combine the likes of The Strokes, Franz Ferdinand but add a 70s punk feel to it. It’s like a wonderful blend of the good parts of the aforementioned bands. There I tried. “Retreat” is a great tale of hooking up and not missing out. The hook is great and easy to sing along to after a few. I am still hoping the will release “Ausland Mission” (Demo version on the B-Side on Strasburg).
By John Siwicki
The Tears – Refugees
Bernard Butler and Brett Anderson are back together in a new band. (Of course there was a bit of worry when this was announced. Could they rekindle that magic they once had?) Well the answer is yes. I have been waiting patiently to hear their new material, and it certainly hasn’t disappointed. “Refugees” is an upbeat number with Brett’s vocals sounding as fresh and as full of passion in some time. If you like Suede you should certainly be in love with this song.
By John Siwicki
Autechre – Untitled
During Sean Booth and Rob Brown’s 14 plus year career, they have created music that challenges both your mind and ears. It’s not for the average listener. The album will run about 70 minutes and you will certainly be different afterwards. “LCC” opens up the piece after about 10 seconds of silence and then the loop kicks in a goes over and over again of hard piercing beat. “Ipecial Section” runs in at about 10 minutes in length and is quite a sonic journey that is hard to be prepared for. It sounds like a journey through space. It’s very odd but strangly compelling. ‘Augmatic Disport’ hits you hard with its machine gun like clicks and clops. “Fermium” sounds like a completely screwed up version of a Kraftwerk song. It’s wacky and wild. Autechre music is a challenge to listen to, but it is a rewarding piece of music. It certainly isn’t for everyone but if your looking for something a little different here it is. For fans its certainly a step in theright direction after the average “Daft 7.30