PROTOMARTYR - FORMAL GROWTH IN THE DESERT

Since their 2012 debut, Protomartyr have mastered the art of evoking place: the grinding Midwest humility of their hometown, as well as the x-rayed elucidation of America that comes with their vantage. The group’s 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 of Formal Growth In The Desert as an embrace and acknowledgment of that fact: a 12-song testament to “getting on with life,” even when it feels impossibly hard.

Tracklist
Make Way 
For Tomorrow
Elimination Dances
Fun In Hi Skool
Let's Tip the Creator
Graft Vs. Host
3800 Tigers
Polacrilex Kid
Fulfillment Center
We Know the Rats
The Author
Rain Garden