Protomartyr - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)

KEXP.ORG presents Protomartyr performing live in the KEXP studio. Recorded, 2023
Songs:
Elimination Dances
For Tomorrow
The Author
Pontiac 87
Joe Casey - Vocals
Greg Ahee - Guitar
Scott Davidson - Bass
Alex Leonard - Drums
Kelley Deal - Guitar, Keyboards
Host: Larry Mizell, Jr.
Audio Engineer: Jon Roberts
Guest Audio Engineer, Audio Mixer: James Ridling
Mastering: Ian Davidson
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Carlos Cruz, Alaia D’Alessandro, Scott Holpainen
Editor: Carlos Cruz
protomartyrband...
kexp.org

[@SpellhausChannel]

Best modern post punk band, imo.

[@deluxedoorman]

They’re amazing

[@hendog5667]

These guys always come to mind first whenever someone says rock is dead

[@Autoluminescentt]

BUT The Murder Capital and Fontaines DC and TV Priest are RIGHT there (I'm kidding it's a matter of opinion!)

[@dawnbreak08]

@@Autoluminescentt i would stand by Protomartyr being the best American post punk band no contest. there's so much goodness coming out of the UK/Ireland for this genre - lots of competition there.

[@domintrixter]

@@dawnbreak08 Protomartyr seems 10X less pretentious than any of those bands. Probably due to the Detroit roots.

[@logiberra5317]

My favorite frontman that looks nothing like he sounds

[@Milklatte]

Could never guess he was in a band and singing like that.

[@billerin7995]

tbh he looks exactly like he sounds.

[@tauta3492]

Joe Casey is everyone's chill uncle

[@bobwilson7384]

I have been a Protomartyr fan from the beginning, the addition of Kelly Deal takes their sound over the moon!

[@gutterbabyjonez5132]

Kelley not Kelly.

[@coffee_bagel]

00:21 elimination dances 4:00 for tomorrow 6:21 the author 9:45 pontiac 87

[@coffee_bagel]

Amazing session, they sound just as haunting and crushing as on record

[@LieuweBuik]

Alex Leonard masters that fucking kit like no one else

[@1mikeloz]

Truly one of the most unique and exciting drummers going

[@matthewjames206]

I agree. It's awesome too that he's Elmore Leonard's grandson 🍻

[@Tonixe86]

They are so good, their last record is brilliant. Nice to see Kelley Deal doing her magic with them and being so happy to play.

[@deluxedoorman]

Had no idea about the association. How cool

[@LexHipvkrita]

​@@deluxedoorman oh wow now i see where the magic comes from

[@matthewbecker7389]

Oh wow... I've been listening to this for a while now, but just started to read comments. Of course it's a Deal sister! I should have known, it's so clear from the first track. Anyway. Thanks for the enlightenment.

[@mykedsgn6933]

Such a great set, love the new album. Hope Kelley Deal is a mainstay to the lineup I really enjoy her contribution

[@carljudaspiek]

percussion that drills straight to your soul

[@getluka]

I like the drummer's playing, but that Sabian cymbal is just ugh... not a sound I dig. Cutting and not in a good way.

[@Clovisssss]

It seems to be a ride too heavy to be crashed and he only uses it that way, I guess the sound is deliberated to accentuate the chaos of their music

[@adderon]

Detroit soundz from Canadian metal

[@Milklatte]

I wish they had played Polacrilex kid because it has one of the most show stopping questions I've heard in a song "can you hate yourself and still deserve love?"😮

[@1mikeloz]

Also THAT chorus… my god what a song, also sad they didn’t play it on this session

[@armandoarrojo9841]

fav on the album, lyrics hit WAY too hard

[@mountaingoatnohorns]

kelley’s vocals on pontiac 87 are ethereal

[@goceystore]

last time i caught them live, joe came up to a group of us in the merch line to tell us we were getting ripped off. great band, kelley adds so much to the live sound

[@danzigwascool]

Damn. They’re dialled in here. The Author live is just so good. Glad to have seen it in Toronto on the tour kickoff.

[@BruceUrquhart]

That was a great show.

[@hawaiian_judge5113]

New favorite band that's likely to stick around for the long term. They sound great here - seeing them live tonight in ATX!

[@hawaiian_judge5113]

so good live! omg omg omg

[@Dizzula]

Wait a second, that's Kelley freaking Deal!

[@adderon]

Hit you like a Cannonball

[@Hilaire_Balrog]

😮 !

[@joelstanier5419]

Such a hugely underrated band.

[@ryanlewiz]

Rating is overrated. Those who are prone to overrating seem to rate Protomartyr rather highly. Perhaps overly unheard by the crowd prone to overrated behaviors? Alternatively it could just be that ‘ol fucking dope cloud, blowing gold dust into the pockets of the undeserving…. (That’s not gonna save this comment man) But what will!?

[@adderon]

Nutrafol

[@katerinadidenka]

I've found out about it yesterday, heard on BBC radio 6, and immediately understood that it's my sound, reminds me of Jawbreaker

[@rebelrobot]

The drummer is amazing!

[@UndercoverNormie]

Such a creative drummer. Can't get enough of the simplistic but interesting beats Alex comes up with. Love this band and love from a former Michigander.

[@qarpiu2800]

Im so stoked to see u guys invite Protomartyr again, such a great live act.

[@thealternative9580]

Soundtrack for the end times.

[@a.jansiz4663]

Recently discovered these guys after their latest album was released. Had so much fun digging into their discography. Incredible band.

[@RocstarNailbomb]

Literally not one bad album

[@1mikeloz]

Same thing with me! Kinda sad I’m so late to the party but stoked I’m listening, best discovery of this year

[@joaquinbaume1291]

been listening since 2017 they are amazing, also swans is really good too heh

[@costas2by4]

After Mark E Smith’s death in 2018, I was so much devastating about music and stuff. A friend of mine, advices me to give a look at Protomartyr. That was that. Since then, a devoted fan. Looking forward to attend the show in Athens Greece Nov the 4th

[@costas2by4]

@@AdifHossain-o9v Dear Adif, everything's fine my friend ? What was all that about and what had to do with Protomartyr ?

[@Statefunction16]

Κωστα αν δεν εβλεπα το κομμεντ σου σε αλλο βιντεο δεν θα ηξερα καν οτι θα γινοταν το gig στην Αθηνα. Οποτε σε ευχαριστω για αυτο!

[@dogayln]

If I knew they were coming to Greece I’d fly from Turkey, İzmir there ah….

[@mercurymachines4311]

I recently saw the Boys for the 6th time Live, this time in Leeds UK, and they were just incredible. Protomartyr are easily the best new band of the last 10 years.

[@Jedzord]

I was there too! 💪🏻 Was happy that Why Does it Shake got a massive pop.

[@dipthongthathongthongthong9691]

Nice. Who opened for them?

[@Jedzord]

@@dipthongthathongthongthong9691 No idea!

[@mercurymachines4311]

@@dipthongthathongthongthong9691 a guy called Bobby Would.

[@gregrmurphy]

One of those rare bands where each member brings something original to their sound, and it all comes together

[@tite93]

Loved the new album

[@Ak0tnik]

I think I have never appreciated The Author so much after listening to this version. The sound is soooo impressive, specially with the two guitars and the keyboards. Seriously, I am glad Kelley Deal and Protomartyr joined paths, it has been a great addition to the formula.

[@bluestarorion]

DAYUM! Scott is a beast of a bassist!

[@dipthongthathongthongthong9691]

Saw these guys in Tucson in June in a little venue and they blew the roof off the place. Shout out to Immortal Nightbody who opened for them... and of course to the legend, Kelley Deal. Great show all around!

[@1mikeloz]

Incredible!! Best post punk band bar none! These guys haven’t dropped a bad record yet, also Kelley Deal needs to be a permanent addition!

[@Jabberwhorl_Cronstadt]

damn that's a killer beat on the Author.

[@gpglicious]

HOLY COW PROTOMARTYR ON KEXP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Boyish000]

Woa. Adding Kelley Deal to this performance was a great choice

[@infinity-mi365]

Amazing performance! The Author sounded huge..! Best post punk band there's been for a long time. They just get better.

[@p.phillips7036]

Damn, The Author gets me every time…such a great album

[@tricyclemishap]

Best post-modern post-punk pre-funk band from Detroit hands down, Project Manager!

[@ckaledin]

A Great American Rock Band, if there ever was one -- so dialed in for this set!!

[@Barry-Sweaty]

SO GOOD! Hell yeah. I got a total ear chub.

[@PhotographerRoman]

This sounds sooo good

[@RodrigoLima-qs3zd]

Minha banda favorita, sou um fã do Brasil!

[@HajoBenzin1]

holy shit this music is perfectly young and vibrant. just from listening, I would have thought that the band members are around max. 20 years old on average

[@tenderloinstew1359]

They were great at the Warfield in SF last night, opening for Idles. Wish they'd played longer.

[@jeffgilson6507]

Love the bass player's Stevie Yzerman t-shirt. Excellent version of Pontiac 87...My favorite Proto song.

[@vinnylawlor4155]

Love Proto’s cover too

[@armandoarrojo9841]

How is this band not fucking massive??? The intricate lyrics, beautiful but haunting melodies, depressive-nihilist quality overall... How can a band that makes me feel so fucking sad be so fucking addictive

[@vellocet2438]

Couldn't be more chuffed to see these guys. Didn't expect to see Kelly too! 🎉

[@Tcoldsteel]

I only discovered them a few weeks ago. A bit late to the party I know, but they are very good

[@mountaingoatnohorns]

they are just incredible.

[@Jammyman998]

Right, got to see this band live now.

[@Jack78fr]

You have too late it’s mandatory. I already saw them twice and I’m preparing to see them twice in two months in France soon, can’t wait!

[@jamesnash8749]

Their new record is so amazing, revealing itself more on each spin with such economic means! This live recording does so even further- love Kelly’s involvement, just epic vocals.

[@cordial]

They were already the best band in the world, and then they added the extra depth of Kelley Deal. Amazeballs.

[@hacman8732]

Please come back to Arizona sometime, the desert was humbled by you guys.

[@isaac_campbell]

Lovely interview- solid album!

[@ploue589]

My favorite frontman that looks exactly like he sounds

[@bryanehrhart2592]

Saw them in Philly and was blown away. So good.

[@ryanlewiz]

Congratulations Joe! I didn’t tell you in Portland because I didn’t know about the marriage…. or that I’d be talking about myself so soon. Remember to harness some van despondency, ya’ll look great but that heat wave probably cooked up some fresh genius. I didn’t expect you to play Pontiac 87 and then you did. How bout that!?

[@brando3901]

Hands down my favorite modern band.

[@robertmitzenheim]

by far the absolute best. and Kelley Deal on top. i can't breathe

[@yeahokdude3265]

Beautiful interview

[@theeggster]

Haven't even watched this yet but I know it's going to be fookin awesome. See you in Birmingham uk October. What a great band .

[@caraj.6974]

My god, I love this band!!

[@alexanderlammens9246]

I just love Joe Casey's style!!

[@rederickfroders1978]

Yes please!

[@johndonut9987]

My god, such a good performance, makes me fall in love with the band even more

[@jofo9742]

I want the song versions with Kelley's parts, fantastic

[@pleasuredunes]

Swag off the charts.

[@mike7040]

1st time seeing this band. Opening for IDELS. In Seattle on 5/8/24 Great sound. Great Show

[@LexHipvkrita]

Bravo! Suena increible y Kelley Deal aporta ese aire etereo

[@JarretLaMark]

Fantastic. I wish they would hit Boston, MA soon. They are one of my favorite bands.

[@jamesfinch-t7l]

Discovered this band just earlier this year, which was annoying because I could've been enjoying them much sooner. Awesome stuff!

[@Milklatte]

Me too. I find it fascinating that agent intellect is almost a no song skipper for me. Really dig them

[@MargotLOVEDyan]

Now please play the rest of the album 😌 I absolutely love this band

[@rickyserrano5182]

MY FAVORITE BAND!

[@Iamolfactory23]

Love em! See ya for the Last Splash anniversary show Kelly!

[@alangilbert1600]

Pontiac 87. Pretty Awesome if you remember History in the D. Joe and the boys, And Kellie Deal from the Breeders sound awesome live! Glad to hear some hometown talent again. I hope it spreads unlike the 2020 Derail during China Covid! Hopefully this sound spreads. These guys have earned it.

[@LifeInMontana]

Biggest woodie in years! Motor City always produces magical music! Thanks to all of Gods Children! Rock Rolls down Hill. To the masses! Come to Montana ProtoMartyr!

[@MarcGanancias]

Excellent.

[@matthewjames206]

Amazing. I discovered Protomartyr on KEXP years ago and have been a big fan ever since. They're awesome live and on record. I only wish they'd performed more songs here 👏👏👍👍 P.S. Kelley Deal 😍

[@zavtraknaotrave]

Love

[@timevison2928]

At the risk of being the millionth person to point this out, the audio engineering on these performances is ridick.

[@marksmith1813]

Good to see that Steve Ballmer is exploring his creative side after leaving Microsoft.

[@owenjones63]

Pontiac 87 sounded incredible ❤ and The Author

[@FitterHappier47]

Damn they good

[@kostaslb7899]

seeing them live in less than two weeks can hardly wait

[@FlavioZaccardelli]

Grandissimo bel gruppo

[@EnisVoorhees]

This is so good. My #1 favorite band since the first album.

[@rodrisoulalalia6278]

Gracias por existir.

[@hamupinhere]

I would've never known that was Kelley Deal if they hadn't said anything. She looks great, but completely unrecognizable.

[@pipjr3927]

Saw them a few weeks back in the UK(Leeds) my oh myyyyyyy x

[@Postpunk-cx1ph]

This was phenomenal. Very late to the party but will be finally seeing them live in October in London.

[@chrissteele1406]

Kelley deal 😍

[@francescoranfagni2082]

Grandi !!!!

[@sarahhammond3748]

So good!

[@indiecalms]

Super tight sound! Solid and creative drumming!

[@williamwelsh409]

Is that Kelley Deal from The Breeders....?? Sounds Like...Looks like...?? Great Fookin Band.....!!!

[@Tonixe86]

Yup, that's her.

[@INADRM]

hey hey hey

[@MeatyTofu]

been waiting for this one!!

[@shounshoun]

Sounds so good! Just got tickets for your Bristol UK show. And if you need a local support... say the word.

[@bloodflower99]

Can’t wait to see youuuu 🤘

[@nandofausto]

Realmente buenos, si señor...

[@dogayln]

OMG finally

[@paulhirons5474]

So, so good.

[@AndrewSmith-qw5kt]

Yessssssssssssss!

[@MeatyTofu]

lil bub making magic happen!!! not surprised.