FOTOFORM - GRIEF IS A GARDEN (FOREVER IN BLOOM) - DISMAL NITCH

Seattle-based shoegaze-infused post-punk band Fotoform release their highly anticipated third album, Grief is a Garden (Forever in Bloom). Following the critical success of 2021’s Horizons, the new album will be available digitally and on limited edition vinyl.

In anticipation of Friday's release date, Fotoform is excited to share their final pre-release single "This City Is Over" along with its accompanying music video which was directed by Erik Foster. "This City Is Over" debuted today at Under The Radar and the song is on all streaming platforms for any playlist shares.

On the meaning behind the song, Fotoform's Kim House shares:

“We live so much of our lives on autopilot—numbed by routine, drained by survival mode. 'This City Is Over’ is a call to reconnect with ourselves, our values, and our priorities. For me, that meant leaving a long career in fashion to pursue something more meaningful and sustainable—personally and creatively.

The ‘city’ in this song represents more than a place. It’s a symbol for unchecked capitalism, burnout culture, and the illusion of success at the expense of self. It’s about stepping back to reflect, to reclaim our time and energy, and to start listening to the voice within.

We don’t need to wait for a crisis to change our lives. A more authentic, aligned life is always within reach—if we’re brave enough to step outside of our comfort zones, to ‘follow the truth inside your soul.'”

“This City Is Over” follows previously released singles “Grief Is A Garden” and “If You Knew / Don’t You Worry, Baby,” which have earned praise from outlets including Bandcamp, The Big Takeover, NPR, Magnet, Post-Punk, and more.

To celebrate the release Fotoform band will embark on a European tour beginning on April 18, with stops in Paris, Berlin, Dresden, Madrid, Barcelona, and more, before heading back to Seattle for their hometown release show at the Tractor Tavern on May 29, presented by KEXP.

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.