Make Believe Penitentiary by Filmm: Review

by Gabe Finch November 21, 2022

November 21, 2022

Make Believe Penitentiary by Filmm: Review

Make Believe Penitentiary by Filmm is an exuberant, dark pop song with a catchy chorus and a powerful alt-rock feel that is formed by a tank bass, a booming synth rock, and pounding drums. There may be traces of other genres floating around in there as well. Indie music may be the first thing that springs to mind, but there are other components there as well.

In case you haven’t heard of this really original musician before, FILMM combines elements from several kinds of music to create one cohesive whole. In his song, Filmm incorporates a wide variety of musical inspirations into their sound, ranging from Iggy Pop to Nabes to Halsey. It’s instantly obvious that Filmm is a huge fan of alternative and synthesizer music. The song is an urgently written lament about being imprisoned by one’s own thoughts and hoping for freedom. Matching its partial title, it is like a tale of make-believe. They also include Mat Hector on drums, Mark Neary on bass, and a soundscape that might be right out of DEVS, Yellowjackets, etc. Every instrument speaks as a distinct part of the whole, and the song’s various dimensions will surprise you.

Together, it is the vocal harmonies, synth leads, warm basslines, and the overall syncopation of such dynamic verses that make “Make Believe Penitentiary” a must-listen. You will find a concoction of synth-pop, power-pop, alternative, soft-rock, and indie rock when you play Filmm’s music.