Mightmare is the solo project of River Shook, a queer nonbinary writer, composer, producer, and performer, most known for fronting country rock band Sarah Shook & the Disarmers. Mightmare's debut album Cruel Liars showcases River's versatility as an artist, writer, and singer, leaning hard into early influences such as Elliott Smith, Interpol, Belle & Sebastian, and Blonde Redhead.