FOTOFORM
Fotoform, the Seattle-based shoegaze-infused post-punk band known for their emotionally charged music, is set to release their highly anticipated third album Grief is a Garden (Forever in Bloom) on April 18. The album follows the success of their critically acclaimed Horizons (2021). The band will be playing a string of European dates leading up to their hometown release show at the Tractor Tavern on May 29.
With Grief is a Garden (Forever in Bloom), Fotoform’s sound evolves once again, blending the emotional weight of post-punk with the ethereal beauty of shoegaze. Following the success of their 2021 album Horizons, the band continues to push the boundaries of their music, refining their crystalline sound into a lush and introspective landscape of beauty, sadness, and resilience.
Kim House (vocals, bass, synths, guitar) and Geoffrey Cox (guitars), joined again by Michael Schorr (drums, ex-Death Cab for Cutie), have created an album that dives deep into themes of loss, change, pain, and transformation. With lyrics that are both vulnerable and disarmingly honest, the album carefully unpacks existential questions, all while crafting a soundscape that is at once cathartic, graceful, and driving.
The album features a more intimate approach, moving from trauma and upheaval to reflection understanding. Fotoform’s music still carries the darkwave influences of their earlier work but with a fresh new energy. The band continues to be shaped by their musical evolution, drawing influence from bands like The Cure, Slowdive, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, and Bat For Lashes, while adding in more acoustic and synth elements reminiscent of classic 4AD artists like This Mortal Coil, Pale Saints, and Lush.
Fotoform’s musical journey began with their self-released debut album in 2017, which was selected as a KEXP listeners’ album of the year. They followed this success with a series of West Coast and European tours, including a notable Part-Time Punks Session. Their 2021 album Horizons earned them widespread acclaim, including SPIN’s “Video of the Day” for their track “Running,” a Bandcamp feature, KEXP write up, and various best-of lists. With Grief is a Garden (Forever in Bloom), Fotoform’s evolution as a band is unmistakable, raising the bar for both songwriting and production.
The band has supported a diverse range of like-minded acts, including Film School, The Chameleons, Pink Turns Blue, Rex, Assemblage 23, Blushing, and more.