Elevator Pitch: Softcult

Craving some politically motivated alternative music? Softcult is the answer.

Softcult, debuting in 2021, consists of members Phoenix and Mercedes Arn-Horn. In their 3 years of activity, they have released three EPs and have a discography of 23 songs. The small, but ever-growing discography makes now the perfect time to check out Softcult – before their discography grows to be an intimidating and formidable force.

Softcult, represents a politically motivated undertaking from the Arn-Horn siblings in opposition and rejection of the apolitical pop-punk direction of their previous band – Courage My Love – which was imposed by their record label. This political motivation is championed by Mercedes, who states, in an interview with GayTimes, that Softcult “is all about social commentary”. Which is demonstrated through their conspicuous criticisms of capitalism, corporate greed and the climate crisis. Their Spotify description – which used to read “music for mall goths” – simply reads “riotgaze” perfectly defining their sound and direction.

Softcult’s distinct sound is emboldened by powerful lyrics which align with their ‘riotgaze’ direction.

Solftcult’s origins and motivations allow for them to possess a truly distinct sound within the alternative scene. They fuse together grunge and shoegaze throughout their discography – alongside sourcing inspiration from the riot grrrl movement- as stated in a Kerrang interview. This results in instrumentals laced with feelings of euphoria in the raw, grounded guitars and drums that coexist with dreamy distortions and effects. It is paired with versatile vocals which declare a political message through disdain and angst or portray meaning with an ethereal and introspective sound.

Two recent singles, ‘Shortest Fuse’ and ‘Haunt You Still’, demonstrate their duality. ‘Shortest Fuse’ utilises feedback and short expressions to create a cutting, more aggressive tone. The accompanying heavy drums, sharp guitars, and rough vocals amplify this feeling. Alternatively, ‘Haunt You Still’ employs distortion and creates a soft, gentle, and airy atmosphere through delicate vocals, blurred effects and fainter instrumentation.

Softcult’s distinct sound is emboldened by powerful lyrics which align with their ‘riotgaze’ direction. The lyrics are critical– addressing inequality and carrying a sense of empowerment – and are therefore relevant and vulnerable. Furthermore, Mercedes, in another Kerrang interview, stated that this political musical direction “was just way more fulfilling for us.” Which allows for passion and emotions to be incorporated within their lyricism.

Softcult addresses a range of issues and social pathologies through their lyricism. This includes mental health, as  portrayed in ‘Gloomy Girl’. With lyrics exploring depression accompanied by references to guilt and regret. Their discography also covers relationship issues – not only between individuals but between individuals and corporations. For example, ‘Perfect Blue’ focuses on the loss of personal identity due to the domination of corporations. The immortality of institutions is presented in ‘Drain’, this single discusses and poses questions about the exploitation of the environment undertaken by governments and companies.  These criticisms of society shall be continued on their upcoming EP– with the track ‘Spiralling Out’ focusing on the struggle of rumination and ‘Shortest Fuse’ having blatant criticisms of capitalism with the lyrics – “a slave to the man ‘til we die”.

Softcult is releasing their fourth EP – Heaven – on the 24^th of May. Tune in.