No Passion All Technique (2012)

“Protomartyr's debut album takes several Detroit reference points in its stride, it's more than 'a Detroit record': their characters aren't hollow archetypes, but people with ideas, struggles, and stories set to dextrously played speed punk, psych melodies, and gentle fingerpicking. What's refreshing about "No Passion All Technique" is its lack of immediate sonic reference points. There are loose ones - vocals like Nick Cave, punk guitars - but this is a record in its own universe. There's jittery instrumentals, cynicism, and paranoia, sure, but you can't define it by those things. There's also heartwrenching loss and awesome guitar solos. And there's a humanness and empathy to this material that's increasingly rare in rock songs. "No Passion All Technique" is an impressive showing of sonic, lyrical, and emotional range, and it all falls under a cohesive banner.” (Pitchfork)