Chris Vrenna Albums (3)
What The Critics Say
The fact that Chris Vrenna was a founding member of Nine Inch Nails might lead you to expect 60 minutes of despairing heavyosity. The fact that he now records under the name tweaker might lead you to expect 60 minutes of blippy, bloopy electronica buttressed by rave-friendly club beats. Instead, what you get on Vrenna's sophomore effort are plain old songs -- though, granted, they are alternately characterized by despairing heavyosity ("Ruby," which features vocalist Will Oldham) and blippy, bloopy electronica ("Remorseless"). Vrenna doesn't sing himself; instead, he brings in such illustrious vocalists as David Sylvian, Jennifer Charles (whose "Crude Sunlight" is one of the album's highlight tracks), and the Cure's Robert Smith (whose "Truth Is" is pretty good, but isn't one of the album's highlight tracks). Perhaps most interesting of all is a pleasantly twisted electronic remake of Tones on Tail's "Movement of Fear" that comes across as sort of a cross between Cocteau Twins and Ministry. Guitarist Clint Walsh contributes significant amounts of musical content here, and he brings a welcome element of organic crunch to Vrenna's sound. Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
'The Attraction to All Things Uncertain'
Release Date 9/18/2001
Tracks 13
Label Six Degrees
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Chris Vrenna has accomplished quite a lot since leaving his position as drummer for Nine Inch Nails. As a producer, he's worked with a diverse range of artists who includes David Bowie, Marilyn Manson, Cold, and Xzibit. As a remixer, he's lent his knob-twiddling talents to U2, Nelly Furtado, and Weezer. And now, in Tweaker's The Attraction to All Things Uncertain, he has his first solo project. But you can't help comparing his sound to that of ex-boss Trent Reznor. Eerie ambient atmospheres, haunting synth sounds that lend the music a gothic sort of appeal, industrial-style beats that land just this side of funky, and occasional blasts of noisy, distorted guitar: These are Reznor's stock-in-trade, and this album shows Vrenna soaked up quite a bit from his apprenticeship with NIN. That said, while not quite as effective as Reznor's best work, Vrenna does add a few twists along the way to give The Attraction to All Things Uncertain a unique appeal. Guest vocals by David Sylvian lend the opening track, "Linoleum," an accessible feel somewhere between David Bowie and U2 that's sorely lacking in the album's slower spots. Shudder to Think's Craig Wedren also drops in on two tracks, lending his sensitive vocals to help tell the conceptual tale about a man named Elliott, who struggles through life dealing with disillusionment and identity struggles. Ultimately, the vocal tracks (including one featuring Will Oldham) are far more effective, as Vrenna's electronic noodling isn't quite innovative enough to carry the album's momentum on its own. Still, an impressive debut effort. ~ Bret Love, All Music Guide
