Protomartyr – “Feed The Sewer”

In the span of a single month, Detroit's post-punk legends Protomartyr have returned with their new album, Hotel Usona, recorded alongside renowned producer Dave Fridmann. Their fresh single, "Feed The Sewer," offers a skronk-rock freakout that strikes a balance between oppressiveness and catharsis. Contrary to the vulgar interpretation, the song delves into the phenomenon of enshittification, the degradation of public spaces and services due to corporate greed.

Frontman Joe Casey reveals the song's inspiration stems from a line in Peter Greenaway's film, expressing the idea that artificial intelligence poses a threat to humanity. People often prioritize convenience over the well-being of the world, as reflected in the lyrics, which mix political anxieties, personal grievances, literary nods, and toilet humor.

The music is intensely loud, akin to a data center. For the music video of "Sounds We Cannot Hear," actor Nate Varrone reprised his role, this time delving into the surreal concept of "Feed The Sewer." Director Andrew Theodore Balasia explores the theme of loneliness in the age of surveillance, capturing Varrone paying $50 to watch security-cam feeds at a motel teeming with bizarre occurrences.

Balasia emphasizes the video's focus on the loneliness and unease stemming from constant monitoring and data collection. The video's stark portrayal highlights the banality of surveillance, stripping away glamour until only a dull, unsettling yearning for connection remains.