Protomartyr - Hotel Usona (2026)
There is a lot to like here, especially the atmosphere and the writing, but I stay slightly outside the record.
Protomartyr still have a very recognizable sound. The guitars remain tense, Joe Casey’s delivery is as dry and detached as ever, and the production gives the album a strange, almost decaying elegance.
The strongest part is the overall concept. Hotel Usona feels coherent without sounding completely uniform, and the additional textures give the record more personality than a lot of post-punk releases.
“Checking Out” is my favourite. It has the best balance between tension, development and emotional weight, and the longer structure gives it more room to become something substantial.
“The Knife Dream” is another highlight because it immediately establishes the uneasy mood, while “Sounds We Cannot Hear” works well as one of the more atmospheric pieces.
My main issue is emotional distance. Casey’s voice is perfectly suited to the material, but after a while the same detachment makes it harder for me to connect with the songs beyond the writing and the mood.
The album is intelligent, coherent and very well made. I just do not find enough melody, catharsis or replay value to push it much higher.
66/100
❤️ Favourite track: “Checking Out”
+ Strong atmosphere and concept
+ Very distinctive vocal and instrumental identity
+ Good balance between tension and texture
– Emotionally distant
– Melody is often secondary
– More admirable than addictive
Genre: Post Punk
Country: US
Final Verdict: 66% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 221th / 729
Highlight: Checking Out
Made me think of:
The National
Fontaines D.C.
Model/Actriz
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