Mass Gothic’s Jessica Zambri says of the song, “The lights turned on for me. Committing to something can be relieving, even pleasurable. I used to think I had to protect myself from anything that I perceived to get in the way of making music, but all that did was close me off. Whatever is happening I want to enjoy it. I wrote this song as a reminder to live and not be lived.”
Director Evan Fellers had this to say of the visual, “I wanted to create strange realistic feeling environments that also felt a bit digital. I used a process called photogrammetry to grab a bunch of real-world elements and turned them into 3d models which make up most of everything you see. Anything from small rocks to large sections of woods, trees, moss and dirt, to Jess and Noel.
“I knew I wanted to take the viewer through these different environments, but I wanted it to be more than just a camera flying around — something simple and purposeful, searching for something. I wanted there to be this feeling of a journey. I also wanted to trace specific paths through the environment I thought were pleasing. Creating a single red orb that illuminated the environment was a nice way to accomplish all of those goals with the story, and control the way in which I revealed each scene at the same time. The red orb also came to represent the voice of the song to me.”
Mass Gothic’s I’ve Tortured You Long Enough is available on CD/LP/DL/CS worldwide through Sub Pop.
What people are saying about Mass Gothic: “Essential…Their earworm-ready songs are made to fight for their right to party.” - Loud and Quiet
“Mass Gothic’s identity is nearly undefinable, with the pair blasting through genres and ideals with a sort of unsettled energy. Whether losing yourself to the starry synths and complimentary vocals found in the spacey fuzz of “J.Z.O.K.” or floating off in the dazzling airiness, throbbing rhythms and vast instrumental expanse of the album’s title track, the release is one sure to keep you enraptured.” - The Grey Estates
“Mass Gothic’s greatest strength has always been their freedom to avoid any sort of strict definition…By taking an anything goes approach on their latest album and balancing their creative duties, there’s a through-line that holds the various sounds of their record together…This is a highly intriguing record with so much packed into every moment you’ll be dying to come back.” [8/10] - Northern Transmissions
“A compelling listen…a record worthy of your time.” - Bristol Live
Album release show at Zone One at Elsewhere (September 5th), Tel Aviv & UK Dates (September 8th-13th)
Mass Gothic’s I’ve Tortured You Long Enough, their new album, is out today and to celebrate its release, they have delivered a new video for the song “Keep On Dying”, co-directed by the band and Nira Burnstein. You can also stream the album in its entirety now on Spotify and Apple Music.
I’ve Tortured You Long Enough features “Keep On Dying,” “How I Love You,” “J.Z.O.K.” [watch here], and “Dark Window”[watch here], and is available on CD/LP/DL/CS worldwide through Sub Pop [buy here]. Purchases of the album through megamart.subpop.com, select independent retailers will receive the limited Loser edition on marbled black and white vinyl (while supplies last).
And next week, Mass Gothic have scheduled a headlining release show at Brooklyn’s Zone One at Elsewhere on September 5th. On September 8th the band heads overseas for their live debut in Tel Aviv, followed by two UK shows on September 12th (London) and September 13th (Manchester).
Sep. 05 - Brooklyn, NY - Zone One at Elsewhere Sep. 08 - Tel Aviv, IS - Barby Sep. 12 - London, UK - Sebright Arms Sep. 13 - Manchester, UK - The Castle
[Photo Credit: Shawn Brackbill]
Even when you’re married and you’re best friends and you’ve spent a lifetime collaborating with each other, it’s not often obvious what’s staring you right in the face. I’ve Tortured You Long Enough is the tongue-in-cheek title of Mass Gothic’s second album for this reason, among several others. Husband/Wife duo Heroux and Zambri have always dipped in and out of each other’s creative spaces, advising on their respective outputs and supporting one another. But never had they before completely committed to doing an entire album as a duo, sharing an equal load. The time had come. And thank goodness. They have dreamed up a record packed with the tension, chaos and beauty of a fluid and cathartic two-way conversation. In a universe increasingly threatening our abilities to work hard on communication and coexistence, their creative union isn’t just inspired but important. “Why did it take us so long?” laughs Heroux.
Live, Mass Gothic expands to a four-piece with multi-instrumentalist Cristi Jo Zambri and drummer Joe Stickney, who also play on the album. ITYLE was co-produced by the band and Josh Ascalon, mixed by Chris Coady and mastered by Heba Kadry.
What The People are saying about Mass Gothic:
“Backed by luminous synths and chugging momentum, the intimacy of the hook is blown up to thrilling proportions, and their love is scattered large across the soundscape.”[J.Z.O.K.] - The 405
“Essential…Their earworm-ready songs are made to fight for their right to party.” - Loud and Quiet
“Mass Gothic’s identity is nearly undefinable, with the pair blasting through genres and ideals with a sort of unsettled energy. Whether losing yourself to the starry synths and complimentary vocals found in the spacey fuzz of “J.Z.O.K.” or floating off in the dazzling airiness, throbbing rhythms and vast instrumental expanse of the album’s title track, the release is one sure to keep you enraptured.” - The Grey Estates
“A compelling listen…a record worthy of your time.” - Bristol Live
Album release show at Zone One at Elsewhere (September 5th) & European dates (September 8th-13th).
“How I Love You” is the latest single from Mass Gothic’s cheekily titled forthcoming effort I’ve Tortured You Long Enough, available August 31st on Sub Pop. On the new track vocalist Jessica Zambri takes lead, delivering one of the album’s more immediate songs.
Mass Gothic previously announced international tour dates for 2018 in support of I’ve Tortured You Long Enough resume August 10th with a performance at Sub Pop’s Big 30th Anniversary Kick-Off Showcase with Afghan Whigs and Yuno at Seattle’s Mural Amphitheatre. Additional highlights include the band’s headline release show in Brooklyn at Zone One at Elsewhere (September 5th) and their European tour dates (September 8th-13th).
Aug. 10 - Seattle, WA - SPF30 at The Mural ^ Sep. 05 - Brooklyn, NY - Zone One at Elsewhere Sep. 08 - Tel Aviv, IS - Barby Sep. 09 - Berlin, DE - Monarch Sep. 10 - Hamburg, DE - Mojo Sep. 12 - London, UK - Sebright Arms Sep. 13 - Manchester, UK - The Castle ^ w/ The Afghan Whigs, Yuno
I’ve Tortured You Long Enough, which features the aforementioned “How I Love You,” the official video for “J.Z.O.K.” [watch here], and the lyric video for “Dark Window” [watch here], will be available on CD/LP/DL/CS worldwide through Sub Pop right here. Preorders of the album through megamart.subpop.com and select independent retailers will receive the limited Loser edition on marbled black and white vinyl (while supplies last).
The “J.Z.O.K.” visual captures both the optimistic and romantic nature of the song and finds members Noel Heroux and Jessica Zambri cavorting through city streets in the wee hours of the night. The video was helmed by returning director Addison Post of Loroto Productions (who also helmed Mass Gothic’s “Every Night…” & “Nice Night” visuals).
Even when you’re married and you’re best friends and you’ve spent a lifetime collaborating with each other, it’s not often obvious what’s staring you right in the face. I’ve Tortured You Long Enough is the tongue-in-cheek title of Mass Gothic’s second album for this reason, among several others. Husband/Wife duo Heroux and Zambri have always dipped in and out of each other’s creative spaces, advising on their respective outputs and supporting one another. But never had they before completely committed to doing an entire album as a duo, sharing an equal load. The time had come. And thank goodness. They have dreamed up a record packed with the tension, chaos and beauty of a fluid and cathartic two-way conversation. In a universe increasingly threatening our abilities to work hard on communication and coexistence, their creative union isn’t just inspired but important. “Why did it take us so long?” laughs Heroux.
Live, Mass Gothic expands to a four-piecewith multi-instrumentalistCristi Jo Zambri and drummer Joe Stickney, who also play on the album. ITYLE was co-produced by the band and Josh Ascalon, mixed by Chris Coady and mastered by Heba Kadry.
I’ve Tortured You Long Enough features the aforementioned “J.Z.O.K.,” and the previously released lyric video for “Dark Window” [see here], and will be available on CD/LP/DL/CS worldwide August 31st through Sub Pop [buy here]. Preorders of the album through megamart.subpop.com, select independent retailers will receive the limited Loser edition on marbled black and white vinyl (while supplies last)
I’ve Tortured You Long Enough Tracklisting
1. Dark Window 2. Call Me 3. J.Z.O.K. 4. Keep On Dying 5. How I Love You 6. I’ve Tortured You Long Enough 7. New Work 8. The Goad 9. Big Window
Mass Gothic Tour Dates
On Friday, August 10th, Mass Gothic will join labelmates The Afghan Whigs and Yuno to kick-off SPF30: Sub Pop’s 30th Anniversary weekend with a show at Seattle Center’s Mural Amphitheatre. Additional live dates will be announced soon.
More on Mass Gothic by Eve Barlow:
Even when you’re married and you’re best friends and you’ve spent a lifetime (18 years is a lifetime, right?) collaborating with each other, it’s not often obvious what’s staring you right in the face. I’ve Tortured You Long Enough is the tongue-in-cheek title of Mass Gothic’s second album for this reason, among several others. Husband/Wife duo Noel Heroux and Jessica Zambri have always dipped in and out of each other’s creative spaces, advising on their respective outputs and supporting one another. But never had they before completely committed to doing an entire album as a duo, sharing an equal load. The time had come. And thank goodness. They have dreamed up a record packed with the tension, chaos and beauty of a fluid and cathartic two-way conversation. In a universe increasingly threatening our abilities to work hard on communication and coexistence, their creative union isn’t just inspired but important. “Why did it take us so long?” laughs Heroux from their home in Queens, New York.
When Heroux put out 2016’s self-titled Mass Gothic record, he was necessarily doing so as a solo entity. Mass Gothic was born as a necessary project for his workings following the aftermath of Hooray For Earth’s end. Plagued by his own insecurities and anxieties, Heroux wasn’t yet ready to deal with putting his trust and confidence into another shared project. He wasn’t in a place to take on the burden of those responsibilities with another individual, especially not an individual so fundamental to his existence. So what changed? He can’t exactly pinpoint when the phrase I’ve Tortured You Long Enough came to him. It was before a single song of this record was written. But it became a mantra, almost a premonition. Says Heroux, “It just popped into my head,” explains Heroux. “You can say it to a loved one, or to a friend. Or you could wish someone say it to you. It covers so many bases but it’s taken on extra meaning in the past couple of years while everybody is at each other’s throats; frustrated and confused all the time.”
The most important application of the phrase, however, was upon Heroux himself. He had tortured his own psyche long enough, and was particularly in need of forcing himself out of his comfort zone and letting go of that prior stubbornness. “I’ve struggled greatly with telling myself that I can’t do things, or that things aren’t good enough.” he says. Then in the Fall of 2016 circumstances led him to face his biggest fears head on, because he physically had no other choice. “We rented a small tiny cabin in the middle of nowhere in upstate New York. We put ourselves away and worked on music all day, wondering what it would feel and sound like,” explains Zambri.
It began with Zambri penning the first iterations of ‘Keep On Dying’, a synth-laden call-to-arms that recalls the frantic energy of Animal Collective and the celestial torch-bearing of Bat For Lashes. Zambri had the melody and lyrics, and Noel arranged the chords to finish the song. Then things started snowballing. While the writing may have begun in New York, it relocated to LA while their lives became totally in flux. They threw caution to the wind last January and got rid of their Brooklyn apartment. Not only that, they also purged all their belongings, except the bare bones for making an album: instruments and recording equipment.
They bought a car and lived out of a duffle bag of clothes for an entire year. They drove to LA, lived with their co-producer Josh Ascalon, and wrote and wrote and wrote. “The entire record from start to finish was done without having our own place to live,” marvels Heroux now. “Maybe we wouldn’t have been able to do it if we were anchored at home. We were forced into it. Jess was trying to open me up and if we could have just sat on a couch and thrown on the TV it probably wouldn’t have worked.”
The partnership has distinctly evolved the project’s sound. “Mass Gothic” was a far more diverse debut, and as the most successful debuts do it was just Heroux by himself, throwing a hundred different ideas at the wall. He describes it now as “the hellish sounds” of his own brain. Its follow-up therefore is a far more intentional meeting-of-minds. Their openness to work with one another had to come without rules as neither of them could afford to hold back.
Last Spring, for instance, when they thought they’d done all the work and had a fully mixed album, they realized separately that it had way more potential. While they were preparing to go on tour with Zambri’s sister, Cristi Jo, and her sister’s boyfriend Joseph Stickney, Heroux woke up one morning, turned to Zambri and said: “Oh god, we have to fucking re-record the whole album.” The rehearsals were the equivalent of pre-records, and they knew the tracks could accomplish so much more. Although he was afraid to say it out loud, they both agreed it was what was required.
The final ten days took place in the studio in Brooklyn where they laid it down from start to finish with Rick Kwan (Chris Coady mixed the record and Heba Kadry mastered it). “It was too pristine before,” says Zambri. “We wanted it to be perfect but it wasn’t breathing. Even if there would be tension, we wanted it to flow like water.” On that front they’ve achieved a remarkable arc. Bookended by the tracks ‘Dark Window’ and ‘Big Window’, it begins from a place of uncertainty, overwhelming disquiet and self-doubt, and it works towards a feeling greater than the individual. Via an optimistic number of romantic love songs (‘Call Me’, ‘J.Z.O.K.’, ‘How I Love You’) the record basks in the acceptance of co-dependence. Even though the works are intensive, there’s an element of ease to their overall message. The chords and beats may feel squeezed and claustrophobic at times, but expansive guitar tones and electronics allow the listener to deep dive into a chasm of potential.
“Overall it’s a conversation between the two of us,” explains Zambri. It isn’t autobiographical to the point of alienating its listener though. It’s important that the songs provoke. It’s a record that concludes with the comfort in knowing that you can be both independent and successful in a relationship, which speaks quite literally of the pairs’ experience giving in to this process with one another.
Mass Gothic have shared their new single, “Dark Window,” the first of more to come (!) this summer on Sub Pop. The accompanying lyric video (as seen above here) was directed by the band and filmmaker Nira Burstein.
“Dark Window” finds Mass Gothic complete as a duo, with band members Noel Heroux and Jessica Zambri sharing songwriting and vocal duties. The track also marks the band’s first new recorded material since the release of their self-titled debut and Sup Goth EP, both released on Sub Pop in 2016. Co-produced by the band and Josh Ascalon, mixed by Chris Coady, mastered by Heba Kadry, “Dark Window” is available now worldwide from Sub Pop.
Mass Gothic’s Jessica Zambri had this to say, “It was late at night, I started dancing around the studio singing the melody with “la la la’s” and Noel began throwing the chords together on guitar. It happened pretty quickly. There was wine, dancing, then a song.”
Mass Gothic’s previously announced US tour dates are underway supporting Modest Mouse. The tour is in Cleveland tonight at the Agora Theatre and wraps up May 11th in Kansas City at the Starlight Amphitheatre. Mass Gothic is direct support on all of the dates.
May 01 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Theatre May 02 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore May 03 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore May 05 - Milwaukee, WI - Eagles Ballroom May 06 - Mankato, MN - Verizon Wireless Center May 08 - Cedar Rapids, IA - McGrath Amphitheatre May 09 - Omaha, NE - Ralston Arena May 10 - Tulsa, OK - Brady Theatre May 11 - Kansas City, MO - Starlight Amphitheatre
Their Self-titled debut and Sup Goth EP are available now worldwide from Sub Pop
Mass Gothic has just announced new US tour dates, supporting Modest Mouse’s spring tour for 2018. The dates begin April 18th in Birmingham at Sloss Furnace and wrap up May 11th in Kansas City at the Starlight Amphitheatre. Mass Gothic will be direct support on all of the dates. The group will release an album later this year, and will play new material on these dates. (see below for dates.)
Mass Gothic released their self-titled debut and the Sup Goth digital EP, both released in 2016. The band’s debut, which was released February 4th, 2016, features the exuberant single “Every Night You’ve Got To Save Me” [see here] and the stark “Nice Night” [see here] and was produced by the group, mixed Chris Coady (Beach House, TV on the Radio) and mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound in New York. Hear the album in full right over here.
The Sup Goth EP, featuringthe single, “A Run,” was released August 5th, 2016. Where the group’s self-titled debut chronicled the depths of depression, Sup Goth is the resulting catharsis. The EP is also a collaborative affair between Noel Heroux and partner / bandmate Jessica Zambri, as it is the first Mass Gothic recording the pair completed together. Hear the EP in full right over here.
Apr. 18 - Birmingham, AL - Sloss Furnace Apr. 20 - Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live Apr. 21 - St. Augustine, FL - St. Augustine Amphitheatre Apr. 23 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium Apr. 24 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium Apr. 26 - Asheville, NC - Thomas Wolfe Auditorium Apr. 27 - Charlotte, NC - The Fillmore Apr. 28 - Raleigh, NC - The Ritz Apr. 30 - Washington, DC - The Anthem May 1 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Theatre May 2 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore May 3 - Detroit, MI - The Fillmore May 5 - Milwaukee, WI - Eagles Ballroom May 6 - Mankato, MN - Verizon Wireless Center May 8 - Cedar Rapids, IA - McGrath Amphitheatre May 9 - Omaha, NE - Ralston Arena May 10 - Tulsa, OK - Brady Theatre May 11 - Kansas City, MO - Starlight Amphitheatre
