Formal Growth in the Desert

Formal Growth in the Desert is the sixth studio album by American post-punk band Protomartyr. It was released on June 2, 2023, on Domino Records.[1] It was preceded by the three singles Make Way, Elimination Dances and Polacrilex Kid.

Formal Growth in the Desert
Studio album by
ReleasedJune 2, 2023 (2023-06-02)
RecordedAugust 1–14, 2022
StudioSonic Ranch (Tornillo, Texas)
GenrePost-punk
Length37:41
LabelDomino
ProducerGreg Ahee, Jake Aron
Protomartyr chronology
Ultimate Success Today
(2020)
Formal Growth in the Desert
(2023)
Singles from Formal Growth in the Desert
  1. "Make Way"
    Released: March 7, 2023
  2. "Elimination Dances"
    Released: April 26, 2023
  3. "Polacrilex Kid"
    Released: May 30, 2023
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic80/100[2]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[3]
DIY[4]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by Protomartyr

Formal Growth in the Desert track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Make Way"2:58
2."For Tomorrow"2:27
3."Elimination Dances"3:37
4."Fun in Hi Skool"2:43
5."Let's Tip the Creator"3:43
6."Graft vs. Host"2:52
7."3800 Tigers"2:24
8."Polacrilex Kid"3:48
9."Fulfillment Center"1:53
10."We Know the Rats"2:56
11."The Author"3:21
12."Rain Garden"4:59
Total length:37:41

Personnel

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Adapted from album liner notes:

Protomartyr

  • Joe Casey – vocals
  • Greg Ahee – guitars, synth
  • Alex Leonard – drums
  • Scott Davidson – bass guitar

Guest musicians

  • Bill Radcliffe – pedal steel

Additional credits

  • Jake Aron – recording engineer, mixing
  • Sarah Register – master
  • Mario Ramirez – assistant engineer
  • Nat Chernitsky Rittner – assistant engineer
  • Diego Mendoza – assistant engineer
  • Trevor Naud – photos
  • Nicholas Kitakis – cover model
  • Breonna Phillips – cover model
  • Joe Casey (credited as "JKB Casey") – layout
  • Jeff Arcel – layout

Charts

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Chart performance for Formal Growth in the Desert
Chart (2023) Peak
position
Scottish Albums (OCC)[5] 29
UK Album Downloads (OCC)[6] 49
UK Independent Albums (OCC)[7] 10

References

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  1. ^ "Protomartyr Announce New Album Formal Growth in the Desert, Share Video for New Song". Pitchfork. March 7, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  2. ^ "Formal Growth in the Desert by Protomartyr Reviews and Tracks". Metacritic. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  3. ^ Deming, Mark. "Formal Growth in the Desert – Protomartyr | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  4. ^ Lombardi, Matthew (May 31, 2023). "Protomartyr – Formal Growth in the Desert review". DIY. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  5. ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
  6. ^ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
  7. ^ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 10, 2023.