Photo Credit: Jessa Carta

Fotoform released their newest single “Grief is a Garden” that is ethereal and gives heavenly vibes, but holds a haunting meaning behind it which some of us can relate to sadly. “Grief is a Garden” could be a metaphor for how we are as individuals. We are like a garden in a way in my opinion because sometimes we need to “decay” which indicates sadness and unhappiness, but then we can bloom once we push past those negative emotions. It’s like a constant rotation because to be able to heal, we need to embrace those negative emotions and understand that the world is not ending and that we need to look at the bright side of things to be able to flourish once again.

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.

Keep Up With Fotoform Online: Bandcamp / Instagram / Spotify