2013.10.14 - Brooklyn, NY @ Barclay's Center

[screwdriver]

That was beautiful. I felt like the band took a few songs to sort of click in, but right about after Disappointed everything just started to come together. GodDAMN -- Pino and the backing singers have just totally transformed the band.

I don't remember the exact quote, but after introducing the band, Trent had a quote about how all of this feels like a dream -- getting to play with the band, to the crowd -- and then said "before it gets too positive, let's play a song from what's probably the darkest album" (again, paraphrased) ... before launching into Even Deeper.

Also - TDTWWA. was epic. not afraid to admit I cried.

Oh, and we got "In Two."

[Deadpool]

I don't remember the exact quote, but after introducing the band, Trent had a quote about how all of this feels like a dream -- getting to play with the band, to the crowd -- and then said "before it gets too positive, let's play a song from what's probably the darkest album" (again, paraphrased) ... before launching into Even Deeper.

Yeah, that was great! Trent said something like "This feels like a weird dream: getting to play with these guys. I'm still surprised people show up. It means the world that you're here." When he introduced the band it was kinda cute how he told the back-up singers to "step out of the shadows. You, too." Also cool how Robin probably had the loudest cheer from the audience - reminded me that he's the veteran of the band now, behind Trent of course. Also, I think he referred to The Fragile his "saddest record" (if memory serves) right before Even Deeper.

Anyway, what a show. My brother and I were pretty much dead center. We had great seats. I'm glad I stopped looking at setlists a couple weeks ago, because I was typically surprised throughout the set - the peak of that being "In Two." Whoa. I got a little choked up during the bridge. Also, the back-up singers were perfect for the first chorus (?) - the first time you hear "It's getting harder to tell the two of you apart." The transition from that into "Survivalism" was kinda brilliant. Those 2 sat really well together if you ask me.



Random thoughts

-I loved Trent's silhouette at the end of "Find My Way." Reminded of something Maynard James Keenan would do (in a good way). Trent had this great weight-shifting move during "Somewhat Damaged", too. Not sure if that's been a regular thing for this tour but I loved seeing it.

-"Black Noise" killed. Between Ilan's drum solo and the back-up singers, it was great. The back-up singers in general were awesome - my personal highlight probably being their vocals on "All Time Low."

-"1,000,000" kicked fucking ass. Made me think how crazy you must be to not like The Slip. Leave it to Nine Inch Nails to make your jaw drop with little more than white light, smoke, and an incredible live band. The lack of fancy visuals really worked in its favor.

-The visuals were of course gorgeous. "Find My Way" was probably my favorite in that department - the gradual build was really powerful. I also loved the geometry during "Disappointed" and the glitchy, HTDA-esque look for "Running" (?)


So, yeah, Tension 2013 absolutely matches Lights in the Sky if not exceeds it. Can't wait for tomorrow when I'll be in GA. Even if it's the same exact set, it'll be totally different way to experience the show.

[Halo Infinity]

Yeah, that was great! Trent said something like "This feels like a weird dream: getting to play with these guys. I'm still surprised people show up. It means the world that you're here." When he introduced the band it was kinda cute how he told the back-up singers to "step out of the shadows. You, too." Also cool how Robin probably had the loudest cheer from the audience - reminded me that he's the veteran of the band now, behind Trent of course. Also, I think he referred to The Fragile his "saddest record" (if memory serves) right before Even Deeper.

I was very happy to hear him say that because it was very humble of him, and I was also delighted to see him having a sense of solace and inner peace. Oh yes, and he actually did, and I'd actually agree. There were some aspects of The Fragile that are certainly bleaker than The Downward Spiral to me. It even made me happier knowing that I lived to actually see it being performed live, right up there with A Warm Place and The Day The World Went Away.

I also loved how loud the crowd got when Trent Reznor said Robin Finck. I've figured, since he's an old friend of Trent like Danny Lohner, while giving it that extra legendary feel, considering how he performed in the Woodstock 1994 lineup.