E.P. Review: Protomartyr – Consolation

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Artist: Protomartyr 

EP: Consolation

Genre: Post-Punk/Indie Rock/Gothic Rock

 On the heels of their brilliant album Relatives In Descent, Detroit Post-Punk band Protomartyr’s new E.P. Consolation solidifies their leading status in the Post-Punk world. This four track E.P. is just a little over 14 minutes in length, but the band astonishingly displays their growth in that short amount of time. Releasing an E.P. less than a year after a well received full-length album is a daring move considering that these tracks could have sounded like leftovers or a rushed attempt to remain in music nerd conversation, but that’s never been Protomartyr’s bag. In fact, this E.P. takes on a life of it’s own. Though the band is experimenting within the realm of the “Protomartyr” sound, the band still continues to add new life and innovation to their music. The most prominent display of this is on the final two tracks “Wheel of Fortune” and “You Always Win.” The first two tracks “Wait” and “Same Face In A Different Mirror” have all the signature qualities we love about the band. The mesmerizing guitars, the infectious bass grooves that draw from the best elements of Post-Punk or Gothic Rock, the percussion that goes in it’s own direction but somehow fits perfectly with what the rest of the band is doing, and the lyricism that is descriptive but very open for interpretation, it’s all there, but the final tracks offer what might be a glimpse of Protomartyr’s future sound. Kelley Deal of “The Breeders” contributes backing vocals that perfectly set a somber mood, and the incorporation of viola, cello, and bass clarinet add melodic beauty to the beautifully raw instrumentation. Though grandiose in presentation, a track like “Wheel of Fortune” finds the band remaining humble but at the same time putting importance on the lyrical content and vocal delivery. The gruff vocal style of lead singer Joe Casey forces you to pay close attention to the lyrics as he rants and rambles intelligently like a well-read drunk on a bar stool. It’s quite impressive that an E.P. just 14 minutes in length has so much to unpack, and if the band continues to work with other musicians then we’re in for some forward thinking music that can transcend genre trappings.

Written By: Steven Sandoval 

Date: 06/16/18

 

Protomartyr Share New Track “You Always Win”

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Post-Punk band “Protomartyr” will release their new E.P. Consolation tomorrow, and the band have shared the closing track off the E.P. titled “You Always Win.” Like their previous single “Wheel of Fortune,” this track features Kelley Deal of “The Breeders.” You can listen to the track below:

Album Review: KIDS SEE GHOSTS – KIDS SEE GHOSTS

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Artist: KIDS SEE GHOSTS 

Album: KIDS SEE GHOSTS 

Genre: Hip Hop/Alternative Hip Hop

Rating: 8/10

 Considering the fact that both Kanye West and Kid Cudi changed the landscape of Hip Hop and set the foundation for Hip Hop in the 2010’s together, it’s surprising that the two are barely teaming up for a collab album now, but in a way, no other time seems more perfect for this to happen than right now. We’re near the end of this decade, and under the name “KIDS SEE GHOSTS” Kanye and Cudi have released an album that solidifies the impact the two have had in the music world. This is album number three in this recent string of Kanye produced albums, and following the mediocre disappointment that was Ye, this album puts Kanye right back on the cutting edge, and it sure is nice to hear Cudi’s return. With well crafted and imaginative production, the two sound more rejuvenated than ever. The beats are what Kanye strived to do on The Life of Pablo, but this time around they’re more unique and… you know…. finished, and with lyrical themes involving self-acceptance, self doubt, and overcoming mental illness, this album is the inspirational impact Ye should have been. I’m sure the two had their beloved fans in mind when creating this album, but it’s evident that the two absolutely had to make this album to exorcise their demons. Everything from the explosive Pusha-T featuring opener “Feel The Love” that erupts with Man’s Not Hot-esque “brrrraaa ka ka kas” to the emotional Kurt Cobain sampling closer “Cudi Montage,” this is a forward thinking album that incorporates new musical elements, but also features everything we love about Kanye and Cudi. One can only hope that the two continue to make incredible music like this under the “KIDS SEE GHOSTS” name.

Written By: Steven Sandoval 

Date: 06/10/18

Death Grips Announce Release Date for Upcoming Album “Year of the Snitch”

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The wait is finally over. We now have a release date for Death Grips’ upcoming album Year of the Snitch. It will be released on June 22nd, which is just around the corner. The band have also shared another new track off the album titled “Ha ha ha.” You can listen to the track below:

Interpol Announce New Album “Marauder”

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Everyone’s favorite Post-Punk revivalists “Interpol” will release a new album titled Marauder on August 24th. This is the band’s first release since their 2014 album El Pintor. The band have also released a new track off the album titled “The Rover.” In a recent press conference held in Mexico City, frontman Paul Banks described that the album is “A facet of myself. That’s the guy that fucks up friendships and does crazy shit. He taught me a lot, but it’s representative of a persona that’s best left in song. In a way, this album is like giving him a name and putting him to bed.” You can listen to “The Rover” and watch the press conference below:

Gorillaz Release New Track “Sorcererz”

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It was announced last week that Gorillaz will release a new album titled The Now Now on June 29th. Following their previously released tracks “Humility” and “Lake Zurich,” the band have released another new track off the album titled “Sorcererz.” You can listen to the track below:

serpentwithfeet Releases New Track “seedless”

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Baltimore’s own serpentwithfeet will release his debut album soil this week, and it’s looking like this album may be the most innovative “R&B” album in years. Following the hauntingly beautiful single “cherubim,” serpentwithfeet has released another new track off the album titled “seedless.” You can listen to it below:

HMLTD Announce New E.P. and Share Music Video for New Track “Pictures Of You”

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After a string of incredible singles that pushed the boundaries of Post-Punk, Art Rock, Experimental Music, Pop, Art Pop, Electronic Music, and whatever the Hell else they feel like making, South London band “HMLTD” have garnered quite the following, a following of fans who have patiently waited for a full-length album. Well, we won’t be getting a full-length just yet, but the band will release a five track E.P. titled Hate Music Last Time Delete on July 6th. The band have also released a new track off the upcoming E.P. titled “Pictures Of You,” and it’s also got a pretty disturbing music video to accompany it. You can watch the video below:

IDLES Announce New Album “Joy As An Act Of Resistance”

9BF61AD5-1F14-49E3-9864-890496A7DC65UK Post-Punk band “IDLES” have announced the title and release date of their follow-up to last year’s incredible album Brutalism. The album is titled Joy As An Act Of Resistance, and it will be released on August 31st. The band have also shared another new track off the album titled “DANNY NEDELKO,” following their colossal new track “COLOSSUS.” You can watch the videos for the new tracks as well as pre-order the album below:

 

Joy As An Act Of Resistance Pre-order:

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