[OPUS] “Falling” by Iress

Perfectly blends doom metal’s implacable intensity with shoegaze’s rich atmospherics.

Iress’ Sleep Now, In Reverse was released a year ago, but I’m only just now giving it a spin. I can confidently say that had I been paying attention last July, “Falling” would’ve easily landed on my 2024 year-end mix. Led by Michelle Malley’s mournful voice, the Los Angeles band strikes up a gorgeous and heart-wrenching dirge that perfectly blends doom metal’s implacable intensity with shoegaze’s rich atmospherics.

With four albums and several singles and EPs to their name, Iress is easily one of the best doomgaze bands out there, and “Falling” reveals them at the height of their powers. (And they do a pretty good job of pulling it off live, as well.)

Sleep Now, In Reverse is currently available from Dune Altar.