Imagine stepping into a neon-lit alleyway, the air thick with fog and possibility. That’s exactly the vibe Seattle’s Fotoform captures in their new single The City Is Over, the latest taste of their upcoming album ‘Grief is a Garden (Forever in Bloom),’ arriving April 18. If you’ve ever lost yourself in the lush soundscapes of Slowdive or felt the ethereal pull of Cocteau Twins, buckle up—Fotoform’s blend of gothic undercurrents and drifting dream-pop is here to sweep you off your feet.
Get a first listen
Check out the haunting, shimmering video for The City Is Over right now:
You’ll find the track across all digital platforms here.
From ‘Horizons’ to ‘Grief is a Garden’
If you’ve been following Fotoform since their self-released 2017 debut (a KEXP listeners’ pick for album of the year), you know they’ve always had a knack for atmospheric beauty. Their 2021 LP ‘Horizons’ turned heads—from SPIN’s “Video of the Day” nod for “Running” to a Part-Time Punks Session and sold-out European dates. Now, Kim House (vocals, bass, synths, guitar), Geoffrey Cox (guitars), and Michael Schorr (drums, ex–Death Cab for Cutie) return to dive even deeper.
‘Grief is a Garden (Forever in Bloom)’ shifts from the raw, cathartic energy of past work into a more intimate, reflective space. Here, trauma and upheaval gently give way to understanding and resilience. You’ll hear hints of The Cure’s brooding drama, 4AD’s lush textures (think This Mortal Coil, Pale Saints, Lush), and that familiar shoegaze glow—but with fresh synth flourishes and acoustic touches that feel entirely Fotoform’s own.
Tour dates & release show
Ahead of their hometown celebration, Fotoform will be traversing Europe this spring—bringing their crystalline riffs and shadowy synths to stages across the continent. Then, on May 29, they’ll light up Seattle’s Tractor Tavern for the official ‘Grief is a Garden (Forever in Bloom)’ release show. Keep your senses tuned for tickets and support acts—this is one garden you won’t want to miss.
Whether you’re nursing heartbreak or just chasing that perfect midnight soundtrack, The City Is Over and the full album promise a journey through beauty and melancholy, grief and growth. Hit play, close your eyes, and let Fotoform guide you through the garden.
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