Band:	How To Destroy Angels
Album:	How To Destroy Angels
Style:	Indie rock, Industrial rock
Website:	http://howtodestroyangels.com/
Release date:	June 2010

01. The Space In Between
02. Parasite
03. Fur Lined
04. BBB
05. The Believers
06. A Drowning

How To Destroy Angels is the new "supergroup" made up of Trent Reznor, his WILF Mariqueen Maandig and Atticus "Third Wheel" Ross. They recently digitally released a self-titled debut EP so lets take a look and see what we're dealing with here...

Well, sadly, this EP is a somewhat meh release. While not being utter rubbish by any stretch of the imagination, it does have some glaring problems that certainly need to be dealt with for when it is time for the band to release a full-length album. There is potential here for sure but no indication that it will be realized anytime soon. These are some talented people here; however, they are too stuck on conventions previously established by Nine Inch Nails. Actually, it can easily be argued that this is simply NIN with a female vocalist. In fact - this is what I'm doing:

This is NIN with a female vocalist.

Mariqueen's vocal lines even resemble those that would fit Trent's voice. It's a little annoying frankly since if I'm to listen to new NIN material, I'd prefer it to be performed by the real deal and not by some chick who Trent happens to be banging. There are few parts here that Trent couldn't have sung himself and the music that accompanies them is also very similar to the neo-post-punk glitch electro of With Teeth and The Slip. The only exception that I can identify is the great EP closer "A Drowning" - a moody, impressive little song. For the full-length, the band should definitely capitalize on this kind of style. Also, Mariqueen's role in the band needs to be highlighted, her personality identified and her confidence as a front-woman heightened. Otherwise, she will always remain in her husband's shadow, unable to transcend the notion that she is just a stand-in while we wait for new NIN material.

Also... why so miserable? "I don't think I can / Save myself... / I'm drowning here, please / Anyone?". Aren't they newly weds? Shouldn't they be happy? It must really be the land of sunshine at the Reznor mansion.