Track review: NIN "Survivalism"

So, the first "official" single off the forthcoming Year Zero has been let loose into the Interweb, and it's a pretty terrible choice. "Survivalism" has some redeeming qualities (most notably the fluctuating buzz in the left channel during the first two verses), but it just sounds a little ham-fisted. I understand how its unrelenting pace makes it better single fodder, but for my money "My Violent Heart" is the far superior track. Judge for yourself.

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18 Responses

February 20, 2007 at 2:22 p.m.

[...] So I don’t know what Trent Reznor is thinking anymore, but another new NIN track has made its way onto the web. “Me I’m Not” is filled with the same industrial hums and buzzes as the previous two tracks profiled here, but this one lacks any kind of gratifying pay-off. The song simmers throughout and occasionally hints at a much-needed explosion, but it never comes. Maybe I’m alone here, but I’m finding myself less excited to hear the finished product with every new song off Year Zero that I hear. [...]

February 21, 2007 at 6:44 a.m.

i think the new songs are aweosme i think there really good i know they have the same hums and buzzes but man thts what makes his songs kick ass dude this new song is wicked and i dont think it could have been any better and this whole new cd is going to be the best yet cause NIN hasnt released a cd in so many years this will be the best cd yet and theres nothing you can say about tht

February 21, 2007 at 11:43 p.m.

WTF, was that previous poster even using english? ^^^^

February 22, 2007 at 12:26 a.m.

i think he's using english...just not punctuation.

February 22, 2007 at 8:12 a.m.

Ummm what does '...' mean that NIN hasnt released a cd in so many years? Trent's last album was in 2005... clearly he doesnt know what he's talkin about.But back to the topic at hand. As a HUGE nin fan since about the release of downward spiral I just say that I'm growing a little disapointed in his latest efforts... I strongly believe there will be at least a handful of gems on the new album but from the 3 tracks out there thusfar I am NOT impressed. It's hard getting used to a 'sober' Trent... *sigh*

February 22, 2007 at 8:12 a.m.

Don't forget that Trent usually works on his albums as a whole. Not every track is intended to be a single.

February 22, 2007 at 9:37 a.m.

I think Trent Reznor has grown a lot. He's more mature, deep in a different manner than what we got used to as far as he was concerned. Give every song time, give him the chance to be something else than what you expect. I think that it's the correct thing to do. Too many tight, preconceived expectations, I think. I am intrigued by the new releases, including "Survivalism". Sometimes fans are like frustrated wives: they want heir man to be in a certain way and they become pushy just because they cannot accept that their man has a strong and distinct personality always in need to grow.

February 23, 2007 at 7:32 a.m.

Have to agree with George K here. I've been a HUGe NIN fan for more years than I can count but after hearing Survivalism quite a few times, I'm still unimpressed with it although I do quite like the other two new tracks. But I shall reserve full judgement until I've heard the album in its entirety.

February 25, 2007 at 8:22 p.m.

jayson said'Don'''t forget that Trent usually works on his albums as a whole. Not every track is intended to be a single.'jayson...you are the only one here who gets trent reznor and NIN. EVERY album or piece of work that NIN release is intended to be listened to and understood as a part of a whole. the downward spiral just doesnt make sense as one track does it? and also, this new album is a CONCEPT album....meaning that it is meant to be part of a whole.as for you others......allow the album to come....dont judge 1 track when you havent even heard the proper version (like when you buy it).....and besides....if you were at rue fan of the master of music mr reznor....you wouldnt care what he released....a album of farts would still be awesome!!i personally cannot wait for the album!! and i'm sick of people bagging awesome albums like 'the fragile' & 'with teeth'.....as cristina says.....he has matured.....and become much more musical in nature......and george k.....dont say **** like a non-sober trent was better......its just wrong to wish for someones ill well being so you can have music that you like...respect the man will ya!!i'm done.

March 11, 2007 at 9:35 a.m.

what the hell? i started laughing when the chorus came around. i feel like plucking a banjo.

March 22, 2007 at 12:59 p.m.

haha The first time I heard the chorus I thought it sounded like he sang something like: "I got muffins, I got muffins and I can't eat them all!". The annoying part is that I keep hearing him sing this even after I read the lyrics. Damn annoying. heh :) Sorry if someone now feels the same after reading this.

April 9, 2007 at 12:49 p.m.

The only NIN I really got into was Pretty Hate Machine which came out as I was moving from HS to college. 'Survivalism' reminds me of that album so depending on what else I hear from it, this may be the 2nd NIN CD I buy.

April 10, 2007 at 10:48 a.m.

I dont care what anybody says, NIN is brilliant. If you dont like it, DONT LISTEN TO IT. I think its good, therefor I listen to it. nobody cares to hear what anybody else has to say, and if you base your opinion on this song, or NIN as a whole, by what other people say, than you are a sad, fake little follower...

April 10, 2007 at 12:43 p.m.

if you're not with us, you're against us!

April 11, 2007 at 10:16 a.m.

Shut it.

April 11, 2007 at 10:20 a.m.

Conformity is the first step into death. make your own decisions! YOU decide what is right or wrong! Be individual...

April 11, 2007 at 11:24 a.m.

No way. Follow the Prefix.

May 15, 2007 at 8:24 p.m.

Anyone heard the song "Capital G?" That, my friends, should have been the first single from this album!

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