Under Color of Official Right

Detroit’s Protomartyr define the term postpunk. That nebulous term used to describe all music influenced by punk rock but clearly not dependent on its simple chord structures has a long list of practitioners, from Pere Ubu (who existed prior to punk, so figure that one out!), The Fall, Joy Division, and Gang of Four to Sonic Youth, Helmet, and Mission of Burma. Protomartyr’s second album, 2014's Under Color of Official Right, is filled with catchier moments than one might expect from a band often lumped in with Detroit noise-punk bands. But the key here is "second album." The band have grown quite a bit, and songs like “Want Remover” and “Trust Me Billy” reveal an accessible charm that’s the result of recording everything in one quick weekend where no one has time to muck up a good idea. “Maidenhead” reveals a goth-like melancholy that’s as vintage as The Damned at their most arty, while “Son of Dis” cranks up the punk angst. Singer Joe Casey can spread his influences out over the tracks, while drummer Alex Leonard and bassist Scott Davidson create unexpected space (“Come & See”) to dance to as awkwardly as you can.