Biography
An observational lyricism and muscular sense of tension and release lie at the centre of Protomartyr's music. The environmental and economic conditions of their hometown of Detroit are a frequent source of inspiration for vocalist Joe Casey - themes that are expanded and extended to create an atmosphere of universal reckoning, driven forward by the intensity with which his bandmates approach their instruments. The results are dynamic, urgent and contemporary. A series of recordings that are equally dense and rewarding.
Latest Release
Protomartyr Formal Growth In The Desert
Album | 2nd June 2023
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.
Album Description
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.
Live Dates
- Tuesday 13th JuneThe Horseshoe Tavern, Toronto, Canada Buy Tickets
- Thursday 15th JuneBowery Ballroom, New York (NYC), US Buy Tickets
- Friday 16th JuneBowery Ballroom, New York (NYC), US Buy Tickets
- Saturday 17th JuneJohnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, US Buy Tickets
- Saturday 17th JuneJohnny Brenda's, Philadelphia, US Buy Tickets
- Tuesday 20th JuneBlack Cat, Washington, US Buy Tickets
- Tuesday 20th JuneBlack Cat, Washington, US Buy Tickets
- Wednesday 21st JuneCat's Cradle, Durham, US Buy Tickets
- Thursday 22nd JuneTerminal West, Atlanta, US Buy Tickets
- Saturday 24th JuneOff Broadway, St Louis, US Buy Tickets