Fotoform's 'Grief is a Garden (Forever in Bloom)' Shines On

While dealing with my own set of losses, something I learned is that grief is not what defines us, but what defines us is what we choose to do with that grief. My relocation to Seattle has been an excercise in turning my losses into something more, something good, something joyous.

The phrase "in bloom" is one that has carried a huge significance in my life. In recent weeks, I have thought of that very thing that culminates my work, and I came to the conclusion that I am always in bloom, constantly a work in progress.

Naturally, when I saw the title of Fotoform's new album, I was immediately intrigued. And when I listened to it, I was even more hooked. Birthed from the band's own experiences, Grief is a Garden (Forever in Bloom) is a lullaby for the broken. Meloncholy, but not morose, Fotoform's latest release is one that gives way for those uncomfortable emotions, but allows them a space to grow into something beautiful.

Fotoform is made up of Kim House (vocals, bass, synth, guitars) and Geoff Cox (guitars). For Grief is a Garden (Forever in Bloom), the band is also joined by drummer Michael Schorr (Death Cab for Cutie). The third effort from the group, Grief is a Garden (Forever in Bloom) takes on a heavier mood, yet more layered sound following their 2021 album Horizons. Skillfully blending post-punk, darkwave, shoegaze, and dream pop, Fotoform creates haunting, yet cinematic and textured fare that has earned much critical praise over the span of their career from the likes of NPR, KEXP, and more.

Although it was proclaimed a difficult album to make, House declares the process of creating the release saved her life. Speaking from personal experience, sometimes channeling our grief into our art is what can keep us going. And creating that art can be the very thing that saves someone else's life.

The album opens with "This City is Over," a poignant call to reconnect with ourselves, our values, and our priorities," according to House. It's a fitting introduction to the listening experience, which asks the audience to cast unimportant things aside and look within. Deeply personal, "This City is Over" resonated with me as someone who relocated for a new life and to leave a toxic career behind. From the first note, House's vocals lure listeners in and take root in your brain.

Later on, the title track is a beautifully existential song from start to finish. Marrying hypnotic synths and a steady bassline, "Grief is a Garden" is the best of the trio's talents. It runs home the theme of the album, "Waves keep crashing unforseen, losing someone is not what it seems,"..."Grief is a garden forever in bloom deep inside."

The rest of the album is equally as pensive, with songs such as "If You Knew/Don't You Worry, Baby" which ponders, what would happen if you knew your fate? Would your approach to life be any different?

Grief is a Garden (Forever in Bloom) ends with "Settle Down," another call to action that neatly ties the album's premise. While it is OK to mourn, Fotoform crafts a feeling of peace with where life is headed. Things may fall apart, but it's OK to rest and settle down. "When things come undone, you shine on... like a beacon before the tide..."

Following a tour in Europe, Fotoform held their homecoming show at the Tractor Tavern in Seattle. A special event hosted by KEXP, the show also included a space for attendees to write the names of lost loved on pieces of seed paper, which will be planted shortly after. I wrote down the name of my grandfather, who passed away in November. I also wrote, in a vague way, about letting go of my life before Seattle and the need to still chase the "Why?"

Now that I am trying to put a stop to asking why certain things happened, I realized it's important to continue asking, "How?"

How can I use my grief and make the world I live in just a bit better?

Fotoform's Grief is a Garden (Forever in Bloom) is available on all major streaming services as of April 18th. The vinyl LP is available via Bandcamp.