Nine Inch Nails Return With Retro Track 'Less Than'

Nine Inch Nails have always been known for the cryptic atmosphere and teases for new music, but they're taking a safer yet still surprising approach this time around. As a follow up to December's ethereal Not The Actual Events, Nine Inch Nails have returned with the new retro track 'Less Than' and a new EP Add Violence.

Nine Inch Nails never do something twice, but Trent Reznor has a great way of bringing the past to the present. 'Less Than' is like a hybrid child between Pretty Hate Machine and their more alternative Year Zero. Bouncy synths play throughout the song, loud electronic drums pounding in the verses and the band's classic evil sounding background before the chorus bursts with energy through thick guitar in the verses, the song exploding with life as Reznor's vocals slowly become one with the guitars for a huge ending.

'Less Than' isn't exactly a new point for Nine Inch Nails, but it's welcome ground. It's certainly a more appealing sound, at least to me, than the sparse and experimental tones of the previous EP. It felt like a Nine Inch Nails EP, but it didn't feel fluid and it almost felt forced. It was smart in the Trent Reznor fashion but not sort of freeing. 'Less Than' feels very natural and exciting without being drowned out in having to be a smart idea. It's raw, energetic, and even a bit fun, and that's all you can ask for from a Nine Inch Nails anthem.

Nine Inch Nails have returned with their retro track 'Less Than' in full force. Their next EP Add Violence is out on July 21 - stay tuned for our review on it! If 'Less Than' is any indicator, it's bound to be a good one.

Rating: 86 / 100