ARTISTS / lamniformes

Lamniformes
Sisyphean

Catalog Numbers: FH-62 / FH:VI-032
Release Date: March 15, 2019
Genre: Indie Rock Sludge / Post-Hardcore / Post-Rock
Radio Friendly: Yes
Type: Album
Purchase: Bandcamp
Links: Discogs Info | Spotify

pressing information

Digital: Worldwide
Cassette Tape: Furhoof: Sixth Man

1st Press (2019): 105
Clear with gold liner cassette with white imprint A-side, full-color cross-box (two-sided), a set of 3 greyscale lyric cards (two-sided), 1990s Chicago Bulls NBA Card. Hand-numbered.

Tracklisting

1. Nothing Ends, Nothing Lasts – 06:23
2. I Have Been A Flame – 05:26
3. Deep Despair in Covington, KY – 05:12
4. Hypothermia – 07:01
5. Diminisher – 06:05
6. Measured in Rings – 04:53

Total Run Time: 35:00
Side Split: A 1-3, B 4-6

Lyrics: Clean, except for Track 6.

Credits

Music and lyrics written by Ian Cory.

Ian Cory: Drums, vocals, organ, piano, rhodes, percussion, toy piano, midi programming, glockenspiel.
Parker Langvardt: Bass.
Mike Lambert: Guitar.
Logan Bloom: Guitar.
Terrence Alexander: Guitar.
Daniel Lee: Cello.
Henry Crawford: Vocals.
Oliver Kalb: Vocals.
Gabrielle Smith: Vocals.

Seth Engel: Engineering, mixing.
Greg Obis: Mastering.
Joseph Klomes: Design.

’Sisyphean’ was recorded at Pallet Sounds and mastered at Chicago Mastering Service.

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Lamniformes dedicates the album to the city of Chicago.

Release Biography

Lamniformes (pronounced "Lam-neh-forms"), the songwriting project of multi-instrumentalist Ian Cory, has its feet in two worlds. Informed as much by Cory’s experience in the Brooklyn indie rock circuit as by his love for the sounds of sludge and post-metal, Lamniformes is a band that defies easy categorization. Picture Old Man Gloom writing bedroom pop, or Mount Eerie on a Neurosis binge. Lamniformes’ 2019 release, ‘Sisyphean’ is both heartbreaking and head-banging, an achingly beautiful collection that combines melody with soul-crushing distortion.

To bring these six songs to life, Cory recruited a crack team of musicians from Chicago’s art rock scene and the world of Brooklyn indie pop. Recorded at Chicago’s Pallet Sound studio by Seth Engel (Options, Nnamdi Ogbonnaya) and featuring performances from members of Gabby’s World, Bellows, and Small Wonder, ‘Sisyphean’ is the product of a multi-regional musical community. The record’s sonic landscape reflects this communal effort. Cellos, organs, and electric piano share space with booming electric guitars and Cory’s own drumming. Above it all are layered vocals and midi programming that give the album a distinct melancholy tone.

Despite taking its name from Albert Camus’ absurdist essay ‘The Myth Of Sisyphus,’ ‘Sisyphean’ isn’t an academic affair. Cory’s lyrics are rooted in the issues of modern life, including physical and mental health, addiction, toxic relationships, and the struggle to find hope in hopeless situations. The combination of these human themes with Lamniformes’ cathartic music makes ‘Sisyphean’ an album for both the head and the heart. It was released March 15th 2019 on limited edition cassette via Furious Hooves, and digitally worldwide.

Ian Cory broke down each track from ‘Sisyphean’ for New Noise Magazine and a “director’s commentary” for Scene Point Blank which are definitely both worth the read.

Press & Accolades

“[‘Sisyphean’] finds Ian exploring the atmospheric side of his musical instincts, whether that's something reminiscent of the crushing post-metal of Neurosis or the slow-burning instrumentals of This Will Destroy You, Lamniformes is all about riding a vibe out to its full conclusion.”
– No Echo, from “Lamniformes Create a Headphone Dreamscape” for premiere of ‘Sisyphean’ LP.

"Equal parts post-metal soundscape exploration and emotional, striving indie rock."
– Scene Point Blank, from “Director’s Commentary” on ‘Sisyphean’ LP.