Album Review: Protomartyr - The Agent Intellect
By Sam Tornow, Contributor
[Hardly Art; 2015]
Rating: 3/5
Key Tracks:“Pontiac 87,” “Dope Cloud,” “Clandestine Time”
On paper, a post-punk band previously referred to as the Butt Babies, fronted by a 30-something-year-old baritone vocalist may not sound appealing, but in practice it has a certain charm to it. Protomartyr’s third release, The Agent Intellect, brings that old school, UK post-punk style back to the table, but unfortunately falls slightly short when compared to past releases.
The Agent Intellect seems to figure itself out as it progresses. The first few tracks sound less fleshed out and lacking in variety when compared to the later stages of the album. This idea is particularly true in the vocal department. Vocalist John Casey is primarily known for his well controlled, baritone voice. This is not the case on early tracks such as “Cowards Starve” and “Boyce or Boice,” where the vocal delivery sounds lackadaisical and half-hearted. On the instrumental side, the guitar melodies are often similar and the drumming rarely strays from normal floor tom and snare punk beat.
These weaknesses eventually work themselves out, specifically around track five, titled “Pontiac 87.” It’s a head bopping tune that sounds like a song set to the scene of punk teenagers, emotionally rage-dancing in a gymnasium. The cleaner side of Protomartyr continues on with “Dope Cloud,” which layers Casey's vocals to create a quiet, yet angsty sound reminiscent of Joy Division.
Instrumentally, the band peaks near the end of The Agent Intellect. “Clandestine Time” presents a perfect example of dirty (but not too dirty) melodic, post-punk sound that crowds of Protomartyr have grown to appreciate.
Protomartyr’s latest release has its ups and downs. The downs may disappoint older fans that are craving another Under Color of Official Right, but the positive aspects The Agent Intellect brings to the table make it a solid addition to the Protomartyr discography and worthy of any punk fan’s time.
