WATCH: Softcult – ‘Spit It Out’

A lush, swirling guitar tune that gently encourages listeners to face their unconscious bias, Canadian duo Softcult have shared their latest single ‘Spit It Out’. Since the release of their debut EP Year Of The Rat earlier this year, the pair have been busy working on new material, with this new offering building on their existing manifesto to resist and relieve the pressures that come with existing in a patriarchal world.

Formed of Ontario-based twins Phoenix and Mercedes Arn Horn, Softcult cut their teeth playing live shows in their local town of Kitchener, before moving on to bigger audiences on the North American tour circuit. Their experiences of playing and working within a male-dominated industry formed the foundation for their current sound, which is born from the desire to reject toxic standards of femininity and embrace a more equal world.

‘Spit It Out’ embodies this outlook, as the band explain in more detail: “The song is about rejecting harmful ideologies that we’ve come to accept as normal, even though they perpetuate our own oppression. Most people understand that misogyny, sexism, racism, etc are wrong, but don’t often notice when it occurs in our every day lives, in the media, or how we’ve been conditioned to perceive the world. We can even unknowingly become part of the problem because we’ve internalized these ways of thinking. We wrote the song about resisting societal standards which only serve to benefit those that hold power over others. By simply refusing to accept these ideologies, we can weaken the pillars in our society that allow oppression and injustice. It all starts with questioning them in the first place, and then deciding that we aren’t going to continue to contribute to them.”

Watch the video for ‘Spit It Out’ below.

Follow Softcult on SpotifyInstagramFacebook & Twitter for more updates

Photo credit: Judith Priest

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

LISTEN: Softcult – ‘Another Bish’

A 90s inspired guitar tune that defies the feeling of being overlooked and underestimated, Canadian duo Softcult have shared their debut single ‘Another Bish’. Informed by their love of Bikini Kill and Smashing Pumpkins, the band blend atmospheric guitars, energetic percussion and bittersweet vocals to create their hazy, antagonistic sounds.

Formed of Ontario-based twins Phoenix and Mercedes Arn Horn, Softcult cut their teeth playing live shows in their local town of Kitchener before moving on to bigger audiences on the North American tour circuit. Their experiences of playing and working within a male-dominated industry formed the foundation for their current sound, which is born from the desire to resist and relieve the pressures of existing in a patriarchal world.

‘Another Bish’ is an ultra cool example of what their resistance sounds like. Despite its confident delivery, the track aches with subdued anger, as the band say “even the baddest bish probably has a little bit of self doubt” at some points. With lyrics like “It feels like I’ve been pulling teeth / just trying to break off from your leash,” the duo reveal their desire to break free from the restrictions that they’ve encountered so far, whether that’s internally or externally.

Watch the self-directed video for ‘Another Bish’ below.

Follow Softcult on Spotify, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

LISTEN: Sydney Sprague – ‘i refuse to die’

A stirring piece of guitar-pop that encourages listeners to try their best against the odds, songwriter Sydney Sprague has shared her latest single ‘i refuse to die’. Released via Rude Records who Sprague has recently signed to, the track is a fiery ode to persevering with what you love, even when the world is getting you down.

“This song is a desperate wish for good luck,” explains Sprague. “Looking around at the world [today] it feels like it didn’t work.” Despite the unfortunate timing of the release, ‘i refuse to die’ is still a catchy track that urges listeners to resist the forces of negativity. Brimming with the 90s guitar pop vibes that Sprague loves, her blend of modest yet confidence-boosting lyrics – “I can do that thing I said I’d never / I think it’s time to try” – gracefully compliment her melodies.

“I’m so grateful that I get to continue to do what I love thanks to Rude Records,” comments Sprague about her recent signing. “To have the support of this team, especially during this odd time, is a literal dream come true. I can’t wait to show you what we’ve got planned.” Listen to ‘i refuse to die’ below and follow Sydney Sprague on Spotify, Instagram & Twitter for more updates.

Photo Credit: Natasha Wilson

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Track Of The Day: Forever Honey – ‘Twenty-Five’

A buoyant, reflective guitar tune that contemplates growing older; Brooklyn band Forever Honey have shared their latest single, ‘Twenty-Five’. Lifted from their debut EP, Pre-Mortem High, set for release on 24th April, the uplifting track is accompanied by a set of visuals directed by Shayan Farooq & Tristan Oliveira.

Formed of Liv Price (lead vocals, guitar), Aida Mekonnen (lead guitar, vocals), Steve Vannelli (drums), and Jack McLoughlin (bass); Forever Honey blend elements of 80s pop music and 60s rock, together with personal experiences to create their shimmering indie tunes. ‘Twenty-Five’ is a shining example of this, with its jangly guitars and cool vocals.

The track’s context is rooted in gently helping women to accept that the ageing process is not something to be feared, it should be embraced, celebrated and spoken about; as it’s an inevitable part of life. The band’s video for ‘Twenty-Five’ reflects just that. Watch it below, and follow Forever Honey on Spotify and Facebook for more updates.

Pre-order your copy of Forever Honey’s debut EP, Pre-Mortem High, here.

Photo Credit: Kit Castagne

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut