Protomartyr - Formal Growth in the Desert

Domino

'Formal Growth in the Desert' is the sixth installment of the cynically inflicted sounds of Detroit's finest, Protomartyr - maybe the most consistent band in the world at this moment in time.

The follow-up to the bands pinnacle, in my opinion, in 'Ultimate Success Today', comes at a time of crossroads for the band - potential dissolution awaited around the corner. Adversity is key. Harnessing a soft strength is sometimes the only way through what life dishes out. Uncertainty is the only certainty.

The acerbic sounds of Protomartyr, the quintessential contemporary post-punk act, takes on a somewhat softer edge on Formal Growth in the Desert - a realization that not everything is worth spitting at; though there are still certainly things worth being bothered by. A sense of longing hangs heavy over Formal Growth - the Gothic tinge to the material is apparent; a layer of dense smog sways overhead. . The loss of a loved one is a part of life; never a nice thing to go through. The loss of the person that brought you into this world is a different thing entirely. Loss and love are forever entwined. Only grief is guaranteed. It sticks around like eternal brain fog - the clouds never seem to part. Forever tied down by the ties that bind. The soul eclipsed.

Slide guitar opens up the music every now and then. It cracks the nut on the hard outer shell - exposing the underworkings of the apathetic aphorist. It's a beautiful addition to the bands sound - another layer to the already multi-faceted foundations. Rays of remorseful hope; caring and caressing. Light hugs and brief moments of respite. The yin and yang of sorrow and savior - both intrinsically part of oneself; the light within the dark.

The world is a better place with Protomartyr together in it.

'So collect your tears
And wash your face
The house is empty
But the work remains.'