After building some acclaim with EPs and singles, there is considerable pressure on Canadian sisters Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn, better known as Softcult. Throughout that time, they’ve pushed a message of inequality, oppression, and frankly, that some people are just shitty. Their debut album, ‘When A Flower Doesn’t Grow,’ looks to hone in on this narrative, yet it’s done with a deeply personal touch. For Mercedes, she considers the album as “a conceptual work about the stages of internal metamorphosis.” Writing the record followed a period of dealing with abuse, sexism, misogyny, and shame while preaching empowerment.
Musically, Softcult have established a sound that blends luscious shoegaze soundscapes with biting grunge/alt-rock. Throughout the Arn-Horn’s deliver melting melodies that breeze in effortlessly. On the opening proper track, ‘Pill To Swallow,’ Phoenix’s drum work stiffens its loftiness with piercing execution. It’s countered by the early album highlight, ’16/25′. Snappy drums and a rumbling undertone add intensity to the narrative of a controlling, predatory male. Although Mercedes’ vocals float during the chorus of “She doesn’t know how to love you,” the sentiment tone is sharp.
It’s complemented by ‘She Said, He Said’. The bubbling bassline and Mercedes’ spoken word verses of a first date ending in sexual assault is compelling. The backing vocals of “he said, she said” have a hypnotic quality. Its driving conclusion surges with spiralling guitars and the repeated line of “You have to see it to believe it!”
Trauma is a theme that is threaded throughout ‘WAFDG’. It allows Softcult to create a thought-provoking and often blunt narrative. ‘Hurt Me’ stirs up feelings of paranoia, recalling childhood abuse and the repeated cycles they find themselves in. Yet as drifting guitars come in, there’s a sense of acceptance, even acknowledging that a change is needed. The dreamy ‘I Held You Like Glass,’ is poignant and reflective, allowing Mercedes’ character to process the trauma of a toxic relationship. As it gently builds, the harmonious soar of its title signals a feeling of letting go.
On the surface, you’d think there is little music bite to match the topics Softcult sing about. While “Tired!” briefly gives an outlier with its riot grrrl pounce. However, Softcult‘s outspoken, and at times, reflective words feel at home in the hazy soundscapes the duo produce. Moments such as ‘Not Sorry’ and ‘Naive’ are elevated by blissful guitar melodies.
The title track concludes the album, allowing Mercedes and Phoenix to wrap up the journey of introspection and self-exploration. Twinkling acoustics and soft keys provide a gentle musical bed, leading to a post-rock-esque wall of sound. As the siblings’ harmonious vocals weave in and out, a feeling of resolute empowerment and self-acceptance brings down the curtain.
Given some patience, ‘When A Flower Doesn’t Grow’ manages to stand out from the pool of alt-rock/shoegaze acts. The Softcult sisters have paired a layered, neatly crafted sound with a lived-in narrative. At times, the themes are uncomfortable yet required. Mercedes’ songwriting is forthright but provides a solid lyrical spine, often countering the gorgeous tones delivered. They’ve utilised the chance to write a full-length to their benefit, building an introspective world, maintaining the acclaim they’ve built in recent years. In short, a strong debut that demands multiple listens.
‘When A Flower Doesn’t Grow’ by Softcult is released on January 30th on Easy Life Records.
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