SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: SOFTCULT – HEAVEN

SOFTCULT
HEAVEN
EASY LIFE RECORDS

In the past few years, Kitchener, ON’s twin siblings, Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn of Softcult, have been one of the best up-and-coming Canadian bands, which has led to opening up for bands like Incubus and MUSE, earning a Juno nomination for Alternative Album Of The Year for their record See You in the Dark.  Their latest release, Heaven, is their strongest release yet. This six-track EP is filled with stunning choruses, outstanding instrumentation, and is a captivating mashup of grunge, shoegaze, and dream pop.

“Spiralling Out” is the standout track and perfectly captures the 90s grunge, shoegaze, and alternative rock sound. Imagine if Garbage, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Deftones formed a supergroup and released a song. The result would probably be something similar to “Spiralling Out”. Currently, this song is Softcult’s magnum opus. The Arn-Horns deliver entrancing vocal performances reminiscent of Shirley Manson of Garbage. Along with the incredible vocals, it has exceptional production, a soaring and anthemic chorus, a comforting atmosphere, a fantastic bridge section, and a mesmerizingly pretty opening guitar riff.

The other five tracks on this record deliver the goods as well. “Shortest Fuse” is a phenomenal display of craftmanship and is an explosive and hypnotically catchy mixture of pop sensibilities with angsty, dark, fuzzy, and gloomy instrumentation. The combination of pop and 90s rock on this whole record is sublime. “One Of The Pack” is a beautifully empowering and positive song with lyrics full of honesty, heart, and authenticity, with no clichés present at all. “Heaven” is a haunting, melancholic, and meditative rock tune with a magnetic guitar solo. The blending of dream pop and shoegaze is immaculate, too. Fans of Mazzy Star will fall in love with this track. “Haunt You Still” has gorgeously peaceful vocals, with the repeated line, “Do I haunt you still?”, being the best example. Also, it contains an atmosphere as dreamy as they come. Lastly, “9 Circles” has terrific guitar riffs and stunning vocals.

Overall, Heaven is a rock EP that demands your attention as it is a sensational 90s throwback album loaded with unforgettable hits.

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