release date: Jul. 17, 2020
format: digital (10 x File, FLAC)
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,55]
producer: Protomartyr, David Tolomei
label: Domino - nationality: USA
5th album by Protomartyr follows nearly three years after Relatives in Descent (Sep. 2017), and it sort of arrives as a gritty exploration of existential dread. The album continues straight out of the tone of the predecessor showcasing that raw, driving energy that has become the band's hallmark.
Musically, the album features the band’s signature blend of jangly guitars, punchy rhythms, and hints of noise rock. While the album has standout tracks that showcase the band’s growth and depth, some songs can feel meandering, perhaps lacking the punch that defines their best work. Nonetheless, the reflective nature of tracks like "The Aphorist" adds a layer of introspection that complements the album's overall narrative.
Ultimate Success Today is a fine entry in Protomartyr's discography. It captures the spirit of its time with sharp lyrics and a robust sound, even if it occasionally falters in pacing. For fans of post-punk and those seeking a reflection on contemporary anxieties, this album is worth a listen, and even though, I don't find it among their absolute best, it definitely has its moments - much in the same way their other albums have turned out as rough and dirty, and filled with light beams in the darkest of nights, as something sinister overthrown with elements of beauty.
