PROTO
by Holly Herndon
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: May 10, 2019
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
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  1. The Wire
    May 7, 2019
    30
    Most of the vocals elsewhere are unintelligible, blurred between endless layers of patchworked echolalia or overlaid with metal grid sheen and a mesh of hissing and crunching, skittering beats far removed from any sense of body based, physically entrained rhythm. But ultimately it’s just a shonkier version of the cut-ups and vocal splices Herndon’s been working with since her 2014 12" Chorus. [May 2019, p.52]
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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 30
  3. Negative: 4 out of 30
  1. musicwizard636
    May 10, 2019
    8
    What strikes me most about Holly Herndon's new album "PROTO" is it's ability to conjure difficult sounds and textures without fully exploringWhat strikes me most about Holly Herndon's new album "PROTO" is it's ability to conjure difficult sounds and textures without fully exploring their capabilities. This might turn most music listeners off, but the way Herndon controls this waning of her production is where the artistry comes through. It's much like grabbing a giant handful of sand and then letting the crystals slowly fall through your fingers to be swept away by the wind.… Full Review »
  2. hzy0421
    May 13, 2019
    9
    It is hard to distinguish between machine learning results and human involvement, and I guess those unearthly sounds are not meant to please,It is hard to distinguish between machine learning results and human involvement, and I guess those unearthly sounds are not meant to please, but this is something few have experimented before. Herndon's utilization of the AI-produced sounds, and the combination of the avant pop-based tracks and glitch influence, are themselves a kind of gesture and declaration, about our role and conflicted feelings towards a new era of technology.… Full Review »
  3. Doxxman5
    Jun 1, 2019
    10
    You will read a lot of reviews pointed to the technological significance of this album, but why Herndon's latest record is so important has toYou will read a lot of reviews pointed to the technological significance of this album, but why Herndon's latest record is so important has to do with the music present. The blend of the A.I. machine used (codenamed Spawn) to improvise and create vocals flow with the old fashioned use of chorales and layered vocal technique. In a huge way, Herndon takes everything we have learned so far with the glitch music genre and weaves it to a version of noise rock pioneered by so many others. This of it as a combination of My Bloody Valentine's 1991 album Loveless meets Solex's 2004 album The Laughing Stock of Indie Rock.… Full Review »
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