Photo Source: Seattle Peach
Nightmare Fortress are headlining at The Black Lodge on Thursday, September 6th, with Mass Games, Trash Fire, and Wishbeard also on the bill. It is the vinyl release show for their debut EP Until The Air Runs Out.
The self-dubbed "grave rave" group are sure to rob listeners of shut-eye; their music is made of many layers, delving ever deeper into a fathomless core. "Hang You On The Wall" is one of the darkest and most infectious bone-rattling tracks of late. Its beginning sounds an alarm, as if forecasting the terror and wonder that lies ahead. A wall of buzzing synth, coupled with Alicia Amiri’s evocative vocals, generates a concoction with viable portions of post-punk, shoegaze, and dance music.
"The Castle" starts off with a more pensive air. The beat-making on the song is haunting, as if in desperate search of the voice that accompanies its music. Rather than rote head-bobbing, "The Castle" causes a wave-like flow to pass through you again and again. One’s listening becomes a vessel for Nightmare Fortress’ eerie soundscapes to articulate themselves.
Check out The Black Lodge on the 6th of September to see Nightmare Fortress. The show starts at 8pm. They will be a natural fit – one can easily imagine their music playing on the set of Twin Peaks. Stream "Hang You On The Wall" to start and then check out their Soundcloud page for the entire EP. Sweating Tapes is releasing the record; it is available for $6 digitally, or $12 on wax.
– Cameron LaFlam