Relatives in Descent
Protomartyr · 2017
43 min · 12 tracks · punk rock
A raw exploration of existential dread and societal decay, driven by jagged guitars and incisive lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
A Private Understanding — The opening track sets a tone of urgency with its driving rhythm and introspective lyrics, immediately immersing listeners in the album's themes of personal and societal unrest.
-
→
Windsor Hum — This song juxtaposes haunting imagery with a catchy melody, showcasing the band's ability to blend bleak topics with accessible soundscapes.
-
→
Corpses in Regalia — The track's stark portrayal of decay and loss is underscored by an infectious energy, representing the album's exploration of mortality amidst modernity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines jagged instrumentation with incisive lyrics, creating a distinct sound within punk rock.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a slow build of layered guitars that gradually intensify, setting a tone of tension.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'The Chuckler', which transitions from a driving beat to a more subdued section.
- The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and social commentary, with lines delivered in a spoken-word style that emphasizes urgency.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- gritty urgency with reflective moments
- short tracks for quick engagement
- poignant themes of modern chaos
- intense bursts of lyrical insight
Maybe skip if you
- prefer immediate gratification
- avoid introspective lyrical depth
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2017, Relatives in Descent marked Protomartyr's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed 2014 record, Under Color of Official Right. At this point, the band had solidified their place within the post-punk revival scene, gaining recognition for their lyrical depth and energetic performances.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Parquet Courts· Iceage· Ought
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 A Private Understanding 5:18
- 2 Here Is the Thing 2:51
- 3 My Children 3:42
- 4 Caitriona 1:44
- 5 The Chuckler 3:43
- 6 Windsor Hum 4:41
- 7 Don’t Go to Anacita 3:12
- 8 Up the Tower 3:38
- 9 Night-Blooming Cereus 3:26
- 10 Male Plague 3:23
- 11 Corpses in Regalia 2:44
- 12 Half Sister 5:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.