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.
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Recommended equipment and accessories
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Nagaoka MP-110H Cartridge
Features a high-quality elliptical stylus that provides excellent tracking and minimizes distortion, delivering a detailed sound reproduction with an output voltage of 5.0 mV
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Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
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Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
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Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Pre-Amp
Compact, high-performance phono preamplifier for both MM and MC cartridges, delivering a clean, detailed signal with minimal noise.
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Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
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Firstborne Lucky
M-Theory Audio
August 8, 2025 -
Yusuf/Cat Stevens On The Road To Findout: Greatest Hits [2xLP]
A&M
September 5, 2025 -
Manegarm Edsvuren
Napalm Records
August 29, 2025 -
Debby Friday The Starrr of the Queen of Life
Sub Pop
August 1, 2025 -
Faetooth Labyrinthine (Sea Blue) [2xLP]
Flenser
September 5, 2025 -
Orbit Culture Death Above Life [2xLP]
Century Media
October 3, 2025 -
Motorhead NO Sleep 'Til Hammersmith (50Th Anniversary; Yellow/Black; Half-Speed)
Bmg
August 29, 2025 -
They Are Gutting a Body of Water Lotto
Ato Records
October 17, 2025 -
Biohazard Divided We Fall
Frontiers New Recordings Physical Only
October 17, 2025 -
Paradise Lost Ascension (Gold) [2xLP]
Nuclear Blast
September 19, 2025 -
Thin Lizzy Acoustic Sessions
Mercury
August 1, 2025 -
Supertramp Crime Of The Century (Half-Speed)
A&M
August 29, 2025 -
New Eves The New Eve Is Rising (Light Pink)
Transgressive
August 1, 2025 -
Olivia Dean The Art Of Loving (Pink)
Island
September 26, 2025