Softcult
Softcult is a Canadian grunge duo consisting of twin siblings Phoenix and Mercedes Arn-Horn.[nb 1] The duo are known for their melding of grunge with shoegaze, as well as their DIY and riot grrrl-inspired ethics. The band's most recent EP, See You in the Dark, was released on March 24, 2023.
Softcult | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
| Origin | Kitchener, Ontario, Canada |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2020–present |
| Labels | Easy Life |
| Spinoff of | Courage My Love |
| Members |
|
| Website | softcult |
History edit
Twin siblings Phoenix and Mercedes Arn-Horn (born 1994)[2] grew up in Toronto, Ontario, and were home-schooled by their mother, an English teacher.[3] Prior to forming Softcult, the Arn-Horn siblings were members of the pop-punk band Courage My Love, which released several EPs and two studio albums throughout the 2010s.[4][5] Feeling creatively stifled by their record label, the Arn-Horn siblings decided to disband Courage My Love and begin a new project together in the summer of 2020.[3][6] The band chose the name "Softcult", which Mercedes Arn-Horn defined as "anything that you don’t really question where you follow your group of people", to represent the band's "social commentary".[7] The band's debut single, "Another Bish", was released on January 15, 2021.[8][9]
On April 16, 2021, Softcult released their first EP, Year of the Rat, through Easy Life Records.[7][10][11] The duo's second EP, Year of the Snake, "encompasses our feelings towards the cutthroat capitalist society we live in and the problems that need to be addressed".[12][13] One of the EP's songs, "B.W.B.B.", was written in response to the murder of Sarah Everard in March 2021.[13] Their third EP, See You in the Dark, was released on March 24, 2023, and was inspired by My Bloody Valentine and the Cocteau Twins.[6][14][15] The EP received a Juno Award nomination for Alternative Album of the Year award at the Juno Awards of 2024.[16][17]
Musical style and influences edit
Softcult have been described as grunge,[18] alternative rock,[19] lo-fi[2] and shoegaze.[4] The Arn-Horn siblings were inspired by the 1990s riot grrrl culture, and have cited Bikini Kill, Bratmobile and Pussy Riot as formative influences on the band.[7][20] Additionally, Softcult publishes a monthly zine, SCripture, first published in February 2021, which discusses environmental, social and political issues.[21][22]
Band members edit
- Mercedes Arn-Horn – vocals, guitar
- Phoenix Arn-Horn – vocals, drums, production
Discography edit
Compilation albums edit
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Zodiac EPs | |
| Dark Zodiac |
Live albums edit
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Softcult on Audiotree Live |
EPs edit
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Year of the Rat |
|
| Year of the Snake |
|
| See You in the Dark |
|
Singles edit
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Another Bish" | 2021 | Year of the Rat |
| "Gloomy Girl" | ||
| "Spit it Out" | Year of the Snake | |
| "House of Mirrors" | ||
| "BWBB" | ||
| "Perfect Blue" | ||
| "Gaslight" | 2022 | |
| "Uzumaki" | ||
| "Been a Son" | Non-album single | |
| "Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle" | ||
| "One of a Million | See You in the Dark | |
| "Drain" | ||
| "Someone2Me" | ||
| "Dress" | 2023 | |
| "Love Song" | ||
| "Spoiled" | ||
| "Haunt You Still"[31] | Non-album single | |
| "Heaven" | ||
| "Shortest Fuse"[32] | 2024 |
Notes edit
References edit
- ^ Wilkes, Emma (March 8, 2023). "Softcult: "In order for the world to change, there has to be some change within yourself"". Kerrang!. from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ a b Owens, Paige. "Meet twin duo Softcult and hear their brand-new track "Spit It Out"". Alternative Press Magazine. from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
Finding inspiration in artists such as Kurt Cobain, who passed away the year the twins were born...
- ^ a b "Band To Watch: Softcult". Stereogum. March 23, 2023. from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ a b Bulmer, Eloise (April 20, 2022). "Softcult: "We feel a responsibility – almost a desperation – to change things before our time is over"". Kerrang!. from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ Mortensa, Mala. "10 pop-punk bands from Canada who are leaving a mark on the genre". Alternative Press Magazine. from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ a b "Artist Interview: Softcult". The Alternative. March 23, 2023. from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ a b c Raza-Sheikh, Zoya (April 27, 2021). "Softcult: "Don't try and be what someone tells you to be"". Gay Times. from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ Ears, Get In Her (January 18, 2021). "LISTEN: Softcult – 'Another Bish'". Get In Her Ears. from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ "Another Bish", Spotify, January 15, 2021, from the original on March 24, 2023, retrieved March 24, 2023
- ^ "Softcult - Year of the Rat". DIY. April 15, 2021. from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ "Album Review: Softcult - Year Of The Rat | Gigwise". www.gigwise.com. from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ "EP Review: Softcult - Year of the Snake | Gigwise". www.gigwise.com. from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ a b "Track by Track: Softcult - Year Of The Snake EP". Upset Magazine. February 8, 2022. from the original on February 8, 2022. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ "EP review: Softcult – See You in the Dark". Kerrang!. from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ "Softcult - See You in the Dark". DIY. March 22, 2023. from the original on March 22, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ CBC Music (February 6, 2024). "Here are all the 2024 Juno nominees". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. from the original on February 9, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
- ^ a b Rivers, Heather (February 9, 2024). "'It's crazy!': Band with London ties 'stoked' over Junos nomination". The London Free Press. from the original on February 9, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
- ^ Mason, Julia (April 7, 2023). "Introducting: Softcult". God Is in the TV. from the original on August 1, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
- ^ "A night with Softcult: empowered alt-rock to bridge divides - iamur". June 18, 2022. from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ "Get To Know… Softcult". DIY. February 19, 2021. from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ "Softcult – One of a Million". Edge of Arcady. September 23, 2022. from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ Wyeth, Jasmine (September 23, 2022). "Softcult's latest dream-pop track proves they're not just "One of a Million" | Best Fit". The Line of Best Fit. from the original on September 28, 2022. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ Gormley, Ian (January 17, 2024). "Softcult Were on a Mission in Toronto". Exclaim!. from the original on April 4, 2023. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
- ^ Airey, SR (June 18, 2022). "A night with Softcult: empowered alt-rock to bridge divides". iamur. from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
- ^ Avery, Jake (May 17, 2023). "Live review: Softcult at Clwb Ifor Bach". Exeposé (745): 21.
- ^ Barrett, Laura (September 2, 2022). "TM Breakthrough Vol. 18". Townsend Music Blog. from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
- ^ "Music". Softcult. from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ "Softcult - Dark Zodiac - Japan CD". CDs Vinyl Japan Store. from the original on July 18, 2023. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
- ^ "Softcult | Audiotree Music". Audiotree. September 5, 2023. from the original on October 15, 2023. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
- ^ "Softcult on Audiotree Live, by Softcult". Bandcamp. from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
- ^ Kelly, Tyler Damara (November 10, 2023). "Softcult round off the year with new single, "Haunt You More"". The Line of Best Fit. from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
- ^ Carter, Emily (January 30, 2024). "Listen to Softcult's new single, Shortest Fuse". Kerrang!. from the original on February 4, 2024. Retrieved February 9, 2024.