Modwheelmood: Enemies and Immigrants

When he isn’t with Trent Reznor, or biting the hand that feeds, Nine Inch Nails’ band member Alessandro Cortini has a side project called Modwheelmood. It’s a lighter, less aggressive and electro-based brand of pop that is both soothing and comforting, judging by the leadoff number “Things Will Change”. The album has some edge to it, but tracks such as “Going Nowhere”, generally glide along without many bumps in the road. Assisted by guitarist Pelle Hillstrom, Modwheelmood erects a string of fine musical backdrops which are complex, but not bombastic. However, one noticeable song which seems to be the EP’s black sheep is “As I Stand Here”, a tune better suited for Daniel Bedingfield, Savage Garden or Darren Hayes. The first trace of Reznor influence is with the moody and downbeat “Money For Good”, though it lacks Trent’s trademark angst or intensity. Ending with “Yesterday” (not a Beatles cover) with its Radioheadesque “Creep” guitar trick, Modwheelmood has crafted a decent, atmospheric EP.