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Trent Reznor's How to Destroy Angels Premiere First Track

Mariqueen Maandig and Trent ReznorWhen Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails ceased life as a touring act in 2009, no one thought he would sit idle for very long. Fans recently got word that he had a new project in the works with his wife, Mariqueen Maandig, called How to Destroy Angels and then some truly cryptic videos started popping up on the group's website. Finally, today we get How to Destroy Angels' very first track, a long, slow, trip-hop jaunt entitled 'A Drowning.' Unsurprisingly, Reznor hasn't gone all soft on us.

For 'A Drowning,' Maandig takes the lead, dominating the track with her silky, wispy and delicate voice. The sonics are resolutely electronic and come through in crisp high fidelity. If anything, the song is reminiscent of '90s material by groups like Massive Attack or a slower, less hip-hop-influenced Sneaker Pimps.

The song stays pretty calm until around the four-minute mark when a fuzzed-out guitar comes in and melodically shreds. Everything builds into a gigantic, droning cloud of white noise and then dissipates, leaving a lone piano figure as an outro. It's certainly a bold first song for any group, but not surprising considering Reznor's penchant for experimenting while somehow staying accessible and coldly emotional.

How to Destroy Angels plan to release a six-song debut EP this summer. You can check out the new song over at Pitchfork.

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Tim

Nothing else matters on this album because they did "The Space In Between" that is the one...I dig it. All it takes is one track. Nothing matters after the one good tune. You can pick apart the album all you want but they pulled it off. So even if you hate it, doesn't matter.

September 29 2010 at 9:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
MoonLeyet

Love it!

September 02 2010 at 6:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
__REZ__

This music is amazing. I have actually heard the entire album. These songs take a couple listens. So much sonic filler that it takes a sec to absorb it all. Now I can't get them out of my head. The space in between has been haunting me in the most beautiful way for days. I have to keep coming back to listen and it makes me feel amazing. That is good music. The drowning is the least favorite song on the album but it is still pretty cool. Remember it's not NIN. It's HTDA. Lets see the haters make a record like this with such a hot chick as a singer. I hate haters. So one sided and usually self loathing kinds of kats. Stop hating yourself and maybe you can enjoy something. Ever hear britny spears? Yeah this is so much much better than that so stop complaining.

June 12 2010 at 3:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to __REZ__'s comment
Alexis

Know what I hate? Commenters with user names derivative of their idols ("_REZ_"? Really?) who write florid, fawning prose in praise of EVERYTHING the object of their obsession puts out there, and then proceeds to attack anyone who disagrees as "haters".

I consider Trent to be one of the most gifted, creative, emotionally complex artists ever - when he's on his game. This lackluster, derivative, unimaginative droning shows little effort on his part. Comes across as a vanity recording for the new wife to play "edgy alt-rock chick" and another middle finger to those of us who supported his career when his art was a delight to the ears and the soul.

June 23 2010 at 3:56 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
paprincess

meh. It grew on me over time. But then so does anything if you hear it repeatedly....

May 19 2010 at 11:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jessica

I dig it.

May 11 2010 at 5:35 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lady Lala

Unfortunately, it sounds like a NIN b-side throwaway. Even the riffs sound reused. Her voice doesn't really add much to the mix.

May 05 2010 at 3:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
SubtleHavok

I came on not wanting to like it and walked away really enjoying it. I had to come back the song and listen to it 10 minutes later as it was stuck in my head. Trent's lady has a great voice.

May 04 2010 at 5:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Vesper

Agree with Courtland. Really wanted to like this but am just not feeling it. Her voice doesn't work with that kind of lyrical imagery. Hoping the next song will be better.

May 04 2010 at 2:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Courtland

Horrible. Wanted to like it. It's like he's on a deliberate course to screw up his reputation. Haven't I heard these lyrics before??

May 04 2010 at 2:09 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply