Protomartyr live @ The Empty Bottle, Chicago IL (June 20, 2024) [Complete show]

By the time I became aware of Protomartyr's post-punk leanings courtesy of a review of their second album 'Under Color of Official Right' on Pitchfork, the band had already been together for more than 4 years. The lead-off track, 'Maidenhead' made an immediate impression on me, with Greg Ahee's ringing and melodic lead guitar, its propulsive back end, and Joe Casey's half-croon, half-bark spewing lyrics of a despondent alcoholic on a futile pilgrimage to the town of Maidenhead. Everything about this band out of Detroit checks boxes in my brain-stem. And getting to see the band live at The Empty Bottle in Chicago, a venerable institution, was truly a treat. The band was in great form, performing a barrage of selections from across all six of their albums in rapid succession. A clear sight-line of Ahee in action was truly mesmerizing, and you can see that in the footage of the show!! I loved hearing 'Pontiac 87', 'The Hermit' and 'Half Sister' in a live setting. Who am I kidding, the whole set was replete with bangers. Joe was the acerbic curmudgeon I was hoping he would be.

ps. Opening band Fashion Club were fantastic, I will be posting that set over the coming days.
pps. please go out and see these bands and support them by purchasing their merch!!!

http://protomartyrband.com/
https://linktr.ee/protomartyr
  / protomartyr  

#protomartyr #livemusic

The Set List
00:10 (the band takes the stage)
01:10 Maidenhead
04:17 For Tomorrow
06:44 Elimination Dances
10:20 The Hermit
12:45 Clandestine Time
15:57 Scum, Rise!
18:36 Dope Cloud
22:18 A Private Understanding
27:46 Half Sister
32:35 Polacrilex Kid
36:26 The Devil in His Youth
39:40 3800 Tigers
42:16 Want Remover
44:34 Feral Cats
48:05 My Children
51:51 Pontiac 87
56:39 Processed by the Boys
1:03:33 Ain't So Simple
1:05:54 I Forgive You
1:09:06 Why Does It Shake?