Indianapolis‑based dream‑pop group Fern Murphy is set to unveil its second full‑length album, via negative, on Thursday, Aug. 27. The release show will take place at the popular Fountain Square venue HI‑FI Indy, with fellow local act Sonia opening.
Personal milestones shape the music
Lead vocalist and guitarist Gabe Adams, 34, says the album’s creation coincided with several major life events. During the six months before and after the birth of his child, Adams bought a house and married his fiancée. “A lot of the writing happened in the six months leading up to my child’s birth and the six months after,” he explained. Rather than pause the band’s momentum, Adams used the changes as creative fuel.
Adams described the album’s title as a nod to the philosophical concept of “via negativa,” the idea that understanding often comes from considering what something is not. He linked the notion to the anxiety he felt about becoming a parent, noting that the feeling was inseparable from his deep love for his unborn child.
Family reflections and broader themes
Beyond his own experience, Adams said the songs explore grief, anxiety, unconditional love, joy, shame and uncertainty. He highlighted how dwelling in grief can sometimes help listeners process loss, saying, “There can be a comfort in staying close to that sadness because, for a time, it still feels like a way of staying close to the person we’re mourning.”
The band’s lineup now includes Adams (vocals, guitar), Gilberto Huerta, 35, on drums, Jason Bales, 33, on bass, Leah Foster, 29, on keyboards and vocals, and Travis Brown, 35, on guitar. Bales noted the challenges of balancing careers and children with touring, but added that strong friendships with other Midwest bands keep opportunities alive.
Growth and resources
Adams believes the band finally has the experience, resources, and freedom to realize the sound they envisioned from the start. Earlier recordings were limited by budget, gear, and studio time constraints. “For the first time, there was much less compromise between the idea of the record and the finished album,” he said.
Since forming in 2018, Fern Murphy has shared stages with national acts such as Beach House, Cake and Vampire Weekend. Their evolution from a three‑piece shoegaze outfit influenced by Cocteau Twins, My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive to a fuller band reflects both artistic growth and the practical realities of family life.
Local significance
Holding the album release at HI‑FI Indy underscores the band’s deep ties to the Indianapolis music scene. The venue, located in the historic Fountain Square district, is a well‑regarded spot for emerging and established artists alike. The event offers fans a chance to hear the new material live while supporting a homegrown act that continues to put Indianapolis on the map for indie music.
Fans can expect a set that blends the band’s signature dreamy textures with the more introspective lyrical content inspired by Adams’ recent life changes. The show also provides an opportunity for local musicians and families to gather, reinforcing the community spirit that has long been a hallmark of the city’s cultural landscape.
Original reporting: Mirror Indy — read the source article.
