College Times

A theocracy thrives in NIN's 'Year Zero,' unfortunately the music does not

Grade: D+

Year Zero is the most inspired album Trent Reznor has made since The Downward Spiral, an album that oozed pain and self-loathing within its digital chaos. It's one piece of a much larger concept that encompasses marketing schemes, internet buzz and fans' willingness to become immersed in a virtual reality game.

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Marshall Stacks and Cowboy Hats

Valley band The Earps mix a potent cocktail of country, hard rock

The Earps are in an enviable position. The Valley band's sound - country, punk and '80s metal best described as "cowpunk" or, in their own words, "butt rockabilly" - has garnered fans from both the local punk and alt-country scenes. The Earps are one of the few bands that could play on a country bill at the Yucca Tap Room on a Friday night and then play to a heavy metal audience at Hollywood Alley on Saturday.

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