Protomartyr drops new album and shares “Sounds We Cannot Hear”

Detroit’s Protomartyr Return with a Psychedelic Masterpiece

After a three-year hiatus, Detroit’s enigmatic band Protomartyr is back with their highly anticipated new album, Hotel Usona. Set to drop on September 25th via Domino, the record promises to be a deep dive into the band’s signature sound, now augmented by rich, evocative textures.

The creation of this latest work was a collaborative affair, with the music being crafted in partnership with producer David Fridmann, who brought his distinctive touch to the project at his Tarbox Road Studios in western New York. The result is an album steeped in complex musicality and unforgettable atmosphere.

The depth of the album’s thematic and sonic landscape was captured in a compelling biography penned by fellow Motor City legend Iggy Pop. Pop reflected on the group’s evolution, noting that they are a slow-burn act gaining respect over time. He praised their ability to shift rhythms and harmonics effortlessly, calling it “the mark of fine arts in a popular group.”

The sound immediately grabs attention with the lead single, “Sounds We Cannot Hear.” This track is a vibrant mix of Protomartyr’s signature tone layered with exotic elements like horns, tubular bells, and xylophone. Casey’s lyrics set an immediate, dark stage: “Another 81 dead since dawn / Spiders crawling ‘cross the ceiling,” establishing a mood that is both unsettling and undeniably beautiful.

To complement the single, the accompanying video plunges viewers into a disquieting psychological thriller. Shot at a remote hibachi restaurant, the visual narrative features comedian and actor Nate Varrone, creating a cinematic experience that perfectly mirrors the album’s dramatic intensity.

The full album, Hotel Usona, features nine tracks, including “The Old Hotel,” “Converts,” and “Feed the Sewer.” It is an ambitious collection that showcases the band’s mastery of mood, ranging from the ethereal to the starkly unsettling.

As the new music heads into the autumn, Protomartyr is gearing up for a significant tour. They will be hitting the road this fall with Accessory on the West Coast and J.R.C.G. across the Midwest and East Coast. Fans can catch the band live, including an upcoming show at Webster Hall in New York City on November 12th.

The journey of Protomartyr, infused with artistic depth and a masterful sound, proves that some music, much like fine art, rewards patience and offers profound, enduring respect.