Dune Altar (DA-042)

The sonic equivalent of standing on a beach as a tidal wave approaches, listening to IRESS is to be aware of certain devastation, yet grateful to witness something so terrifyingly beautiful, and transfixed in anticipation for whatever happens next.

Formed in Los Angeles in 2010, IRESS employ dark, commanding elements of shoegaze, slowcore and metal, swelling in moments of cinematic-like crescendo. Dubbed the “Adele of Doom” by her local LA music peers, frontwoman Michelle Malley’s vocals have the power to envelop with smokey warmth, destroy with anguished belting, and arrest with unbelievable restraint. Bassist, Michael Maldonado, provides the much-needed anchor in the bewitching melodies and reverb, while drummer, Glenn Chu, pushes unrelentingly forward. Guitarist, Graham Walker, joined in 2022 instigating a new, more collaborative way of working for the band. This chemistry is undeniable on stage as the intentionality applied to live performances leaves audiences stunned to silence in moments, brought to tears in others when impaled by Malley’s emotional screams, all the while supplying a satisfying amount of crushing distortion to head bang through.

The success of Iress’ newfound anatomy can also be heard in the exceptionally composed, staggering wave of doomgazey sound on the upcoming Solace EP, which tells the story of the brutal reality of change: inevitable, painful and beautiful.

Solace

Blush

IRESS - Blush

Dune Altar (DA-020)

With Dune Altar's first charitable compilation we hope to help bring awareness to the mental health conditions plaguing 44 million Americans today, and so many more worldwide.  Inspired by Adrian Borland, frontman of The Sound and brilliant artist who suffered from schizoaffective disorder and severe depression, 'Do You Feel That Way Too? A Tribute to The Sound' features various artists contributing covers of songs from the The Sound’s timeless catalog.  Also includes an extensive booklet, featuring unseen photos, brand new interviews, mental health statistics / resources and more!

As a criminally underrated, yet tremendously influential 1980s UK band, The Sound was seldom acknowledged by and has long since been forgotten by the mainstream.  The story of The Sound has long been inextricably linked to mental health, a connection that was solidified with Adrian Borland’s suicide in 1999.  In the spirit of this cause, we’ve partnered with Painted Brain, a Los Angeles non-profit organization, providing art and community-based solutions to mental health challenges.   100% OF THE PROFITS FROM THE SALE OF THIS COMPILATION WILL BE DONATED TO PAINTED BRAIN, TO PUT TOWARD THEIR VARIOUS PROGRAMS.

  And so here we are: 16 artists who have all been touched and inspired by the music of The Sound, and we’re proud to present our versions of their songs.

ACTORS - Mining for Heart

DUNE ALTAR

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