I had always thought that the industrial-rock scene in Ireland was severely lacking in… well… existence. This belief of mine, despite being largely accurate, was somewhat dispelled on the discovery of ‘After the Explosions.’ The EP, called ‘The Great Collapse,’ gives a tip of the electro-hat to legendary Industrial project: Nine Inch Nails. After listening to it, I can categorically say that Trent would have a thing or two to say about these guys.
The Great collapse kicks off with the flagship track ‘Firstnameunknown’ which combines some hard hitting riffs with classic synth that you won’t soon forget. Couple that with a sweet bass/synth breakdown and you’ve got yourself a great opening track. ‘Proxima’ stampedes into view with some dark vocals and dirty synth that sends a polite nod to NIN, without being totally derivative. However, the song closes up shop by the time I found myself really getting into it, I blinked and it was gone. Some more work and a bigger hook would have worked wonders for this song that’s dripping with potential.
‘Contain’ brings things back down to basics, tripping along with a delicate piano line and fantastic lyrics. While you might find yourself thinking that perhaps these guys are a deal more than an homage to NIN, you’re brought back from being unimpressed by some really original Ideas that make this song one of the best on the EP. It certainly shouldn’t have been 3rd. ‘Reflected eye’ gets my gold star, we’re bombarded with a frantic and catchy synth and guitar combo and a chorus that Bloc Party would have been proud to call their own. Not to mention some broodingly dark and fascinating lyrics. This is easily the best song that After the Explosions have to offer, they really should have led with it.
While they put the songs in the total wrong order, I wouldn’t say it’s totally to ‘After the Explosions’ detriment. The EP is still a great listen and I encourage you all to give it a download! If you’re a fan of Nine Inch Nails and have been yearning for an Irish take on the Genre, then check these guys out. You’ll treat yourself to a pretty good ride, but don’t expect Reznortastic quality. You can download the EP from their bandcamp page; You won’t be sorry.