Formal Growth in the Desert

by Protomartyr

Formal Growth in the Desert cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 2 June 2023
  • Label: Domino
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 37:40
  • Community rating: 3.79/5 from 13 ratings

Artists on this release: Scott Davidson, Jake Aron, Joe Casey, Greg Ahee, Alex Leonard

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Deeply influenced by frontman Joe Casey's personal losses and experiences in the Texas desert, this record introduces pedal steel and broader cinematic arrangements to the band's typically rigid post-punk formula. It presents a slightly more optimistic, enduring lyrical perspective without sacrificing their signature tension.

Genres

Descriptors: atmospheric, rhythmic, existential, spoken-word, minimal, dissonant, lo-fi, repetitive, guitars, melodic

Tracklist

  1. Make Way (2:57)
  2. For Tomorrow (2:26)
  3. Elimination Dances (3:37)
  4. Fun In Hi Skool (2:42)
  5. Let's Tip the Creator (3:43)
  6. Graft Vs. Host (2:52)
  7. 3800 Tigers (2:23)
  8. Polacrilex Kid (3:48)
  9. Fulfillment Center (1:52)
  10. We Know the Rats (2:56)
  11. The Author (3:21)
  12. Rain Garden (4:58)

Credits

  • Protomartyr - primary artist, songwriter [all songs by]
  • Scott Davidson - bass
  • Alex Leonard - drums
  • Chris Bellman - lacquer cut by
  • Breonna Phillips - model [dawn]
  • Nicholas Kitakis - model [dismas]
  • Bill Radcliffe - pedal steel guitar [pedal steel]

More from Protomartyr: full discography