Softcult Takes U.S. Headlining Tour

Inspired by the riot grrl movement, Softcult combines grunge, shoegaze, and dream-pop influences to create music with a message and sound that they bill as "music for mall goths." Channeling a rebellious spirit, abuse, misogyny, and mental health are all front and center on their tracks.

Founded in early 2021 by twins Mercedes (guitar/vocals) and Phoenix (drums/vocals/production) Arn-Horn, Softcult released their first EP, Year Of The Rat. Year Of The Snake came after in 2022 and their third EP, See You In The Dark, is coming this month.

The band is on their first headlining tour in the U.S., playing shows across the States before heading to the UK. 

At the Mercury Lounge this past week, the band opened the night with "Spit It Out” from their latest EP before moving into 2021 EP territory with “Another Bish” and “Gloomy Girl". 

Sharp lyrics cut against the harsh realities of sexism on "Take It Off" as airy vocals contrast against buzzy guitars and pounding percussion. 

“You don’t want a girlfriend, you just want a doll.” 

"House of Mirrors" explores the feeling of not living up to one's potential. 

“Cause everything is greener in my head.

I guess that's why I feel so disappointed.”

"Gaslight", whose self-explanatory title warns against manipulative behavior, proceeded.

Mercedes passionately spoke about what "BWBB" or "boys will be boys" is about before launching into it. The band's heavy punk side and riot grrl roots shine in their rage against assault.

“Then when they say boys will be boys

But these boys ain't shit.

And these girls shouldn't have to put up with it.

It's not where she was, it's not how she dressed

And it's not her fault you don't know what consent is.”

Standing on top of a couch in the middle of a room filled with strangers, I felt a bit of hope for the future as I watched the crowd chant along to a song about accountability and change. 

The band leaned back into their dream-pop side again with "Perfect Blue", a song about looking into someone's eyes and not recognizing them, though they look the same.

“Barely recognize you

But the eyes are a shade

Of the same perfect blue.”

"Drain" followed "Somone2Me" with a message about corporate greed and climate change. I was struck by how respectful the crowd was during the talks between songs. They seemed to genuinely listen, nodding their agreement and throwing in a “hell yes!” from time to time.  

Next, "Uzumaki" hits hard with its explosive chorus. Japanese for “spiral”, the song focuses on the aftermath of a traumatic experience. 

“Circle around again.

This vicious cycle's infinite.” 

Remaining onstage for the encore, the band joked about how they usually go off but had nowhere to go in the full venue. 

Softcult’s new track “Dress” from their forthcoming EP kicked off the 2 song encore. Sonically, the song is brighter and poppier than some of the band's other material but still focuses on dark subject matter. Catchy chants interspersed with vocals that slip under layers of guitar to sing about consent.

"It's a dress, not a yes.

Not a fucking invitation.

A night out with friends won't ever feel the same again."

The final song of the night was “One Of A Million”, a piece about how no matter how different we are as people, we are all humans. Dreamy vocals cut through shimmering guitars on this lush, cinematic track. 

“You're one of a million too

You're one of a million like you.”

Softcult gives punk politics a voice with their understanding of how music has the power to inspire positive social change.

Catch Softcult on tour, check out the gallery from the show, and stay tuned for their upcoming EP see you in the dark on 3/24.