SOFTCULT
HEAVEN
EASY LIFE RECORDS
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In the past few years, Kitchener, ONβs 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 recordΒ See You in the Dark. Β Their latest release,Β Heaven,Β 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.
βSpiralling Outβ 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 βSpiralling Outβ. Currently, this song is Softcultβs 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, aΒ 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. βShortest Fuseβ 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. βOne Of The Packβ is a beautifully empowering and positive song with lyrics full of honesty, heart, and authenticity, with no clichΓ©s present at all. βHeavenβ 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. βHaunt You Stillβ has gorgeously peaceful vocals, with the repeated line, βDo I haunt you still?β, being the best example. Also, it contains an atmosphere as dreamy as they come. Lastly, β9 Circlesβ has terrific guitar riffs and stunning vocals.
Overall,Β HeavenΒ is a rock EP that demands your attention as it is a sensational 90s throwback album loaded with unforgettable hits.
ArtistΒ Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: SOFTCULT – HEAVEN
Joseph Mastel