Protomartyr - Formal Growth In The Desert

Released 2nd June 2023

Since their 2012 debut, Protomartyr have mastered the art of evokingplace: the grinding Midwest humility of their hometown, as well as the x-rayed elucidation of America that comes with their vantage. The groups sixth album was recorded at Sonic Ranch in Tornillo, TX with producer Jake Aron. The desert is more of a metaphor or symbol, singer Joe Casey says, of emotional deserts, or a place or time that seems to lack life. The growth came from a period of colossal transition for Casey, including the death of his mother. But life does go on, and Casey describes the great theme ofFormal Growth In The Desertas an embrace and acknowledgment of that fact: a 12-song testament to getting on with life, even when it feels impossibly hard.