Mount Fake is the recording project of NYC-based artist Ryan McLaughlin (Air Volee, Polyon, Joy Buttons). Describing their sound as “Bedroom Doom,” Mount Fake combines a variety of genres and emerges with something new. Taking the lo-fi textures and emotional sincerity of bedroom pop, the shimmering spaciousness of shoegaze and the weighty riffs of doom metal to weave a sound uniquely positioned to encompass the range of feelings needed to fully evoke the mood of today.
Lead single ‘OK, Truce’ is the perfect example. Rising from static and reverb, the song immediately introduces the contradictions that make the Mount Fake style so interesting. The melody is clear, but competing with a brooding clatter of drums, and the shoegaze elements conjure a sound that’s expansive yet dense too. McLaughlin cultivates this sense of tension expertly, utilizing it to knit the track’s themes deep into its subconscious.
“‘OK, Truce’ is pretty much about just being pissed and scared all the time,” they explain. “But finding surprising little moments of softening acceptance here and there that remind you that you don’t have to wait until you’re completely exhausted to rest. To me, this song somehow both soothes and expresses that kind of restlessness.” So when McLaughlin’s vocals emerge from the chaos, a human voice either riding the storm or attempting to remain above it, they do so with a persevering hope that safe harbour might be close, however temporary such security and quiet might be.
Honestly
Don’t worry so much
We could be something good if we wanted
Anyway
We kind of already have it all
But can’t really find it I guessYou’re always high
You’re always high
But so am I
Ok truceThere’s so much room
Why shouldn’t we be happy
Let’s make some moves and go far away
And be closerYou’re always right
You’re always right
But so am I
Ok truce
