SOFTCULT w/ SHE’S GREEN
@ THE MOD CLUB, TORONTO
MAY 30, 2025
Softcult’s return to the stage with support from She’s Green wasn’t just a gig, it was a layered and emotionally resonant experience that unfolded like a dream tinged with rage. The Canadian twin duo of Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn, known for their blend of grunge-laced shoegaze and riot grrrl ethos, delivered a hypnotic, politically charged set that felt both intimate and defiant.
Opening the night, Minneapolis’ She’s Green proved themselves a worthy match. With a sound rooted in dreamy indie rock and subtle shoegaze influences, their set was warm, contemplative, and full of promise. Lead vocalist Zofia Smith’s delivery floated effortlessly over shimmering guitar textures, and the band’s dynamic control showed maturity beyond their years. Tracks like “Graze” and “Willow” shimmered with reverb-heavy emotion, while still offering an edge that hinted at deeper unrest beneath the surface. They’re a band to keep an eye on and on this night, they laid a perfect foundation for what was to come.
When Softcult took the stage, the shift in energy was immediate and magnetic. Bathed in moody lighting and a haze of fog, the duo opened with a slow-burning anthem of resistance that set the tone for the night. Phoenix’s tight, hard-hitting drumming gave the songs a spine of steel, while Mercedes delivered vocals that oscillated between delicate vulnerability and snarling defiance.
Their set leaned heavily on material from their recent EPs which explore themes like misogyny, climate anxiety, and personal trauma. “Drain” and “Someone2Me” struck a chord with the crowd, both sonically lush and lyrically cutting. The band’s DIY punk spirit shone through in the interludes between songs, where Mercedes addressed the crowd with quiet confidence, touching on everything from systemic injustice to mental health with the same directness that characterizes their songwriting.
Visually, the show was understated but immersive. Softcult’s aesthetic of soft pastels and grunge textures was brought to life through projections and lighting that felt like stepping into a zine come to life. There were no theatrics, only atmosphere, and it worked. Every detail underscored the band’s mission: to create safe, inclusive spaces through sound.
By the time they closed, the crowd, a mix of longtime fans, newcomers, and visibly moved first-timers, was fully entranced. The final chords hung in the air like smoke, and for a moment, the room felt weightless.
Softcult didn’t just play songs; they cultivated an environment of reflection, rebellion, and connection. Paired with She’s Green’s introspective warmth, it was a night that reminded everyone in the room that music can still mean something deeper. Softcult isn’t just part of the alternative scene, they’re shaping it.
(Photography by Mercedes Chircop)
Softcult Photos
She’s Green Photos
Artist Links
SPILL NEWS: JUNO-NOMINATED ALTERNATIVE INDIE-ROCK DUO SOFTCULT RELEASE NEW SINGLE “SHE SAID, HE SAID” | DEBUT ALBUM ‘WHEN A FLOWER DOESN’T GROW’ AVAILABLE JANUARY 30
SPILL NEWS: JUNO-NOMINATED ALTERNATIVE INDIE-ROCK DUO SOFTCULT RELEASE NEW SINGLE “NAIVE” ON EASY LIFE RECORDS | TOUR DATES
SPILL FEATURE: RIGHTEOUS RAGE ON ONE SIDE AND CALMNESS AND GENTLENESS ON THE OTHER – A CONVERSATION WITH MERCEDES ARN-HORN OF SOFTCULT
