ALBUM REVIEW: SOFTCULT: A PERFECT EQUILIBRIUM OF NOSTALGIA AND URGENCY

April 17, 2021

ALBUM REVIEW: SOFTCULT: A PERFECT EQUILIBRIUM OF NOSTALGIA AND URGENCY

The brains and hearts behind this project are Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn; two dedicated, focused, inventive individuals whom I have had the pleasure of witnessing their ever-evolving musical and personal growth over the past 10 years with their main endeavor Courage My Love. Having released "Spectra" not even a year ago. It would have been understandable for them to sit at home and feel depressed about the fact that they could not bring those songs to life in front of audiences to connect with. Instead, Mercedes and Phoenix found the inspiration, motivation, and determination to make use of all of this time to develop an entirely new musical adventure for themselves; Softcult.

I have an appreciation for music which is characterized by its contrasting elements; the happiest sounding instrumental paired with the most heart-wrenching lyrics, a song that feels modern yet nostalgic, a peaceful, breathtaking ballad that contains words that require "parental advisory". "Year of the Rat" is magical as it manages to cater to the teenager in me at heart and the adult I currently am and trying to be. The music sounds like it could have been played on Alternative radio in the nineties which I believe will appeal to so many music fans all over the world. As for its lyrical content, it is defined by a fierce desire for making society reflect on critical matters our world is presently facing. From mental health struggles to sexism, Softcult could have not written more pertinent, purposeful, and fundamental songs than the ones featured on this release.

The artwork of "Year of the Rat"

Delicate yet loud and certainly proud; everything a woman or any other human being for that matter can be if they want to. These words also define quite well the essence of "Another Bish" the track selected by the Canadian twins to introduce listeners to what Softcult is all about. The song sets the tone for what is to come on this E.P by establishing right away that the messages conveyed in these next few tunes will be nothing but brutally honest. The opening track of "Year of the Rat" is a remarkable testimony of what it is like to feel like you are being treated like an animal; trapped and controlled. The chorus of this song translates the emotion of finally realizing that enough is enough. "But something's gotta change... I won't sit, I won't stay , rollover, obey. I'm just another bish that you'll never tame."

The fantastic lead single "Another Bish"

Softcult's second single "Gloomy Girl" is the perfect anthem to make us feel less alone when looking at a rain storm through our dirty, dusty window as a crippling feeling of guilt about not being productive violently invades our mind. Once more, the Canadian musicians do not shy away from singing about dark realities millions of people are experiencing in this beautiful yet disheartening world we live in. "Stay in bed until my back aches 'Cause it's only in these sheets that I feel safe." is one powerful line that will inevitably deeply resonate with listeners as it realistically illustrates how depression and anxiety can prevent us from doing actions that seem like the simplest.

A much needed song about struggling with mental health

"Take it Off" is a reminder that not a single woman on this planet should ever be treated like an object. As wild as it may seem to some, women are actual human beings with ideas, dreams, and a personality of their own. "You don't want a girlfriend. You just want a doll." Dress her up like Barbie." For a fraction of a second, those specific lines from the chorus, might make you faintly smile. However, when lending a close ear to the rest of chorus as well as the entirety of the track, you suddenly find yourself discouraged and even enraged because you know way too well that the metaphoric lyrics of that chorus accurately depicts damaging real-life situations lived by countless women. That is how exceptionally effective the imagery in this song is.

A brilliant metaphor

"Young Forever" is the type of track that will instantly lift your spirits and make you want to ridiculously dance as if not a single soul was able to watch you. This tune is another prime example of how Mercedes and Phoenix do not stray from continuously providing us with consequential lyricism while offering us a vibrant instrumental.

The album closer "Bird Song" transports our minds to a peaceful place. Once again, the vivid, well-written, and chosen imagery produced by the lyrics makes the track significantly special. Mercedes starts off this song by calmly singing: "Life knocks you down like a fist through the wall." These words paint a clear picture of how aggressive our simple existence can get. That track left me with a smile, watery eyes the belief that one day, everything will be alright and the conviction that the Arn-Horn twins might have just produced their best work to date.

Some albums are meant to be listened to with headphones on in the reassuring comfort of your possibly messy bedroom but not this one. "Year of the Rat" is destined to be blasted and sang as loud as possible from music fans all across the globe. Whether you are at home or in a car, you have a mission to make sure those songs are heard by the whole fucking neighborhood. Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn have delivered tracks to mend our hearts and nourish our collective conscience.

As always, thank you so much for giving my work a chance. I truly hope this review has made you want to take the time to fully explore "Year of the Rat".

Your former emo kid/current emo adult/music lover forever,

Ariane