Formal Growth in the Desert
by Protomartyr
  • Record Label: Domino
  • Release Date: Jun 2, 2023
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. Dusted Magazine
    Jun 6, 2023
    50
    Musically it feels like business as usual, but there’s a spark missing, as if the events of the last few years have pummelled the life out of the band, resulting in a frustratingly uneven record.

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. QOTSA44
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    This record came out of nowhere for me. It is one of the best collections of songs I have heard in a long time. The subject matters are denseThis record came out of nowhere for me. It is one of the best collections of songs I have heard in a long time. The subject matters are dense and emotionally taxing, but communicated in the most beautifully simplistic and striking series of metaphors. The introduction of lap steel and other sonic elements really accentuate the emotional components of the lyrics well. It is the best Protomartyr in existence.… Full Review »
  2. Lajaleaa
    Jun 20, 2023
    8
    They actually took a big jump forward on this album, but there is an interesting dynamic going on in here. I do feel that, in most of theThey actually took a big jump forward on this album, but there is an interesting dynamic going on in here. I do feel that, in most of the songs, two thirds of the song gets stuck in a monotonous punk loop. These loops, even though they are monotonous, they do let you hear some interesting textures, risks and explorations on the concept the band has for itself. It is not until the last third of the song, when the band would actually take a step out of the loop to present some dope arrangements.
    The production kind of leaves the complete project adrift when the composition is actually showing some real magic tricks to prevent the album stay still to drown. Nevertheless... each song has its own value, and I do feel this is a really strong grip that will hold on in our heads for a long time.
    I'm also sure that this will grow to be, very probably, a high classic from Protomartyr. Yet, I do hope they still take the opportunity they clearly have to impress us even further.    … Full Review »
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