The most talked-about collaboration of the moment between Nine Inch Nails and Boys Noize releases electrifying record between Coachella appearances…
Thank God that the big talking point at the first of the two instalments of this year’s Coachella was to do with music, rather than which influencer was seen sauntering about the guest area in a big straw hat, or the fact that a coffee costs $17. It’s not God you have to be thankful to, of course, because God is dead and no-one cares. It’s Nine Inch Nails and German-Iraqi producer Alex Ridha, aka Boys Noize.
Having worked together on film soundtracks, including Challengers and TRON: Ares, as well as NIN’s Peel It Back Tour, their combined set on the Sahara Stage last Saturday was a feast for the senses. Marrying purely electronic versions of NIN tracks to spectacular production pitched somewhere between Dune and Mad Max: Fury Road, there have been calls for a tour.
Trent Reznor has already poured water on that prospect, suggesting that after the project’s second appearance at Coachella this weekend, he’ll be back to work on a new Nine Inch Nails record. Ever the generous sort, though, Uncle Trent has unveiled this set as both consolation and a way of formalising this endeavour for posterity. Part-live album, part-studio album, part-remix album, it’s proof that rock and metal can still innovate when it comes to the release of records. Plus, it slaps like a furious walrus.
Following the same order as the Coachella performance, from the bucking throb of Vessel (originally from 2007’s Year Zero), to the sonic strut of As Alive As You Want Me To Be (winner of Best Rock Song at this year’s GRAMMYs), in between we’re treated to various touchpoints from NIN and NIN-adjacent works. This includes How To Destroy Angels, Trent’s project with his wife Mariqueen Maandig, who’s on hand to represent during the combustible Vessel, having added haunting vocals to Heresy. There’s also a retooling of Soft Cell’s already-rather-strange Memorabilia to acknowledge one of their inspirations.
Of course, some of these tracks are more different to the originals than others. You can’t, for instance, monkey with Closer too much given its iconic status. But those that have undergone more of a transformation are fascinating. Copy Of A becomes something akin to an electro-hymn, while Came Back Haunted is an infinitely lairier proposition.
Whatever facet of Trent’s oeuvre you’re into, you’ll be well serviced by Nine Inch Noize, a thrilling addition to a career characterised by innovation. Credit must be given to Boys Noize, too, for helping inspire this incredible musical detour. It’s one worth taking. Again and again. Stick it on while drinking the most expensive coffee you can find…
Verdict: 4/5
For fans of: HEALTH, House Of Protection, Depeche Mode
Nine Inch Noize is out now via Null / Interscope
