I’d never heard any NIN before this. Shameful, I know. But maybe it’s a testament to how far this kind of business model can reach.
When I heard about a new NIN album being released, entirely for free online, I thought I’d give them a go. I’m a pretty open-minded guy, I may as well see what these guys are all about.
It turned out to be worth my time. A great deal. Not only did it knock down all my previous assumptions about the band (I was a young, unexperienced teenager, and "Nine Inch Nails" sounded like a massive hardcore metal band to me), but it introduced me to some great music.
A blend of distorted synths and rolling drum rhythms, the album progresses nicely from a built up introduction ("999,999"), through some almost dance-like, just plain infectious songs ("Letting You", "Discipline"), to some instrumentals, and then building up for a finish. Lyrically, there are some great chorus lines that you’ll find yourself singing along with as well.
This is the only NIN album I’ve heard (I can hear all the long-time fans sighing in sheer desperation already), so I have nothing to compare it to. I’m sure all the NIN fans out there have acquired this LP ages ago. But for those of you unfamiliar with the band and it’s music, download The Slip and give it a try. It’s a good album, and will be quite eye-opening for the people out there who were previously unaware of the bands real style of music.
Score: 7/10
On The Tune 