PROTOMARTYR 

AUSTRALIA 2026

“The best band we've got in America right now...” Iggy Pop 

“A desolate, apocalyptic sound to match these depressing times.” The Independent “...slow-burn apocalypse of ennui and injustice.” The Guardian 

Motor City post punk faves Protomartyr return to Australia in 2026, bringing their anthemic atmospheric darkness after an 8 year absence. 

The Midwest outfit, touted as favourite band to a long list of luminaries and contemporaries alike, have issued a rich six album catalogue of essential post punk all processed through the gritty city filter of Detroit and the local guitar bands that came before them. 

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. 

Joining Protomartyr in Sydney are garage powerpop supergoup Antenna featuring members of Royal Headache & Neighbours, along with rising post punk outfit Bennets Grove. In Melbourne Protomartyr host Naarm buzz trio Npcede, with barrelling Adelaide noise rockers Twine and Brisbane's Craning. 

SYDNEY 

THURSDAY 18TH JUNE MARY’S UNDERGROUND

Special guests

Antenna & Bennetts Grove

TICKETING INFO

This is an 18+ event. 

Do not attend if you are feeling unwell.

Photo ID is essential, acceptable ID is a current and valid Australian Photo Drivers Licence, State Approved ‘Proof of Age’ card or Passport. Must be a physical or digital copy. Photos or scans will not be accepted.

We acknowledge that this event is held on the stolen lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging. Sovereignty was never ceded.