Review: Coyote Man ‘Prosthetic Memories’
Having first materialised in the early 2000s, it wouldn’t be until 2015 that the Chicago-based three-piece Coyote Man officially became a fully formed entity. In 2016, they debuted their first single, Lovers Become Strangers, with a self-titled debut album being released the following year to much appreciation.
Since then, the band have continued to evolve and transform their sound, and now here we are, a decade later, as the unit release their newest offering, Prosthetic Memories, on all digital and physical platforms.
Somewhat hard to pigeonhole, I know there is a general consensus that Coyote Man are an ‘instrumental power trio’, but in reality, they are so much more than that. At times, they are retro, hazy, and somewhat proggy, while at others, they slide gently into ‘80s rock before swiftly jumping ship for something far more abrasive entirely. Yes, while predominantly they can be considered an instrumental act, there are still quite a few moments that would beg to differ throughout. Reaching the realms of post-rock too, Coyote Man remain vibrant throughout because of their refusal to sit in one demographic sonically.
As for the new album itself, Prosthetic Memories is made up of seven lavish tracks, each one as unique as it is part of a larger entity altogether. From the opening seconds to the dying embers, this thrill ride will entertain and enthral you in equal measure.
Starting with Coping Mechanism, we discover the trio in quite an antagonistic form. Harsh, challenging, and caustic, the vibe is intense and confrontational. Hard and thunderous, breakneck percussion is interlaced with gritty guitar and venomous bass as the unit smash in from the outset. This swiftly drops back, but not before nudging towards a sludgy, industrial beginning.
Opening out into a more euphoric prog vibe, it sets the tone as a driven and volatile first glance at the band for those unaware of the three-piece. As it drifts into the realms of post-rock and, to a certain extent, post-metal, there’s a real nod towards Russian Circles if I had to make a comparison to help paint a picture. But I wouldn’t say that’s all – there is a far denser sound than any single act, and it isn’t long before track two kicks in and changes up our initial thought processes.
From the opening seconds to the dying embers, this thrill ride will entertain and enthral…
War Hatchet, the lead single from the album, is truly where they are at their most flamboyant. It’s a vicious outpouring of spite and rage, all eloquently wrapped up within a restrained surge of prowess and aggression. Track three, Zealotry, takes us on a wild ride into oblivion with its punishing and never-ending surge. Punishing drums lead the way as this one powers on, seemingly limitless in its stride into the abyss. The chugging guitar and throbbing bass help compact the intensity and bolster the carnage, culminating in a primal masterclass in claustrophobic confinement.
Interpreting Dreams gives a chance for some sort of respite, and as it drifts in, so too do feelings of serenity. It’s an accomplished piece of work by a band who truly understand using sound to create space and texture. Even when it picks up in pace, it is considered and feels vibrant rather than awkward. Flourishes of percussion mixed with uplifting guitar make for an energetic adventure, which is a revelation to behold.
Holographic Heirloom hits the trippy prog notes, taking us away to another dimension while altering our outlook once there. It’s the most ‘out there’ track on the opus, but it really works to show the band’s creative diversity along the way. It has a real sci-fi feel to it and gets creative in a way that isn’t seen elsewhere on the record.
Track six, Inadequate, brings us right back round to the band’s true forte – vibrancy through tone and sonics – and by doing so, they create a sonnet which is lush, layered, and truly magical, by the time it has climaxed, and the final number is upon us, we are in a position of calm and enlightenment.
Faith In A Burning Room takes us on one final epic journey, but this time things are different. Having enticed Chris Pacific of dark pop-rock project RXW to provide accompanying vocals, this last jaunt is luscious. The pairing of his eloquent, clear voice atop the highly motivated sonic backdrop works wonders. It is vibrant and uplifting, completing the recording with perfect aplomb.
All that’s left after the audio dies away is a chance to reflect, and in doing so, one last opportunity to summarise the whole album. It’s a conundrum: it covers a multitude of genres, and yet never strays into any single one. It’s as thought-provoking as it is easy to write off as being ‘cool’, and yet at the same time is deep and multi-layered.
A real triumph, this is one that will be on repeat. Listen, enjoy, and tell your friends. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Label: Independent
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram
Scribed by: Lee Beamish
