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). Fans can pre-save the album now and the band will be playing a string of European dates leading up to their hometown release show at the Tractor Tavern on May 29.
In anticipation of the album’s release, Fotoform is excited to share their new single, “If You Knew / Don’t You Worry, Baby,” accompanied by a visually stunning music video directed by Jessa Carta shot on 8mm film. “If You Knew / Don’t You Worry, Baby” debuted at Post-Punk and the song is available on all streaming platforms for any playlist shares.
The song explores deeply personal themes of loss, reflection, and the impermanence of life. Fotoform’s Kim House opens up about the emotional genesis of the track:
“Ever since my brother died in an accident when I was 17, I’ve felt this pressure to live for two people. I often think about what he might have done differently if he knew his time would be cut short–and what I wish I would have done differently had I known he was leaving,” says House. “We take our impermanence for granted until something really scary, tragic, or traumatic snaps us out of our obliviousness into the painfully clear reality of our fragility.”
The song is a dual exploration of life’s “what if” moments and the emotional space between uncertainty and acceptance. The first half asks those haunting questions: What would you do if your time was cut short? What are the things you wouldn’t want to regret? The track then shifts into an existential reflection, ultimately finding solace in the comforting reminder of unconditional love—a theme House has turned to after the passing of both parents.
“Living with uncertainty is difficult, but this song is my way of coming to terms with what we can’t control. We can’t predict our time, but we can focus on the things that matter most right now,” House reflects.
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.
Fotoform Tour Dates (more TBA):
April 19 – Paris, FR @ La Mécanique Ondulatoire
April 24 – Berlin, DE @ Tommyhaus
April 25 – Dresden, DE @ Scheune/Blechschloss
April 30 – Münster, DE @ Rare Guitar
May 3 – Meschede, DE @ Mono Bar
May 29 – Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern
Thoughts Words Action 