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Formal Growth in the Desert
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Formal Growth in the Desert Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

  • Summary: The sixth full-length studio release from Detroit rock band Protomartyr was recorded in Texas with producer Jake Aron.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. The Skinny
    Jun 2, 2023
    100
    It is a record that dives deep into the listener's soul and unconscious, burying its soundscapes and frustration there, creating a rewarding progression in their sound.
  2. The Line of Best Fit
    Jun 8, 2023
    90
    As they continue to challenge conventions and push boundaries, while still being utterly and completely themselves, Protomartyr stand tall as a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation that defines Detroit's rich musical history.
  3. Sputnikmusic
    Jun 2, 2023
    82
    Every member audibly leveled up with each LP and Formal Growth in the Desert again takes it up a notch. There are bits of everything the quartet crafted so far and more, all incorporated into a cohesive and intense narrative. As the instrumentals become more evocative, so does the storytelling.
  4. Slant Magazine
    Jun 2, 2023
    80
    There’s long been a political edge to Protomartyr’s doom-and-gloom art rock, and it’s heartening that the band continues to avoid sloganeering and boring moralism.
  5. Uncut
    Jun 2, 2023
    80
    Following the pattern of 2020's Ultimate Success Today, this is more expansive and less claustrophobic than previous Protomartyr releases, but no less intense. [Jul 2023, p.33]
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  6. AllMusic
    Jun 2, 2023
    80
    Formal Growth in the Desert plays like another State of the Union essay from this band of intelligent malcontents, and what they have to say is strikingly effective as editorial commentary and as music.
  7. 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 Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  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.… Expand
  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.    … Expand

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