GIHE: Albums & EPs of 2024

After sharing our Tracks Of 2024 last week, the Get In Her Ears team want to shine a light on some of the brilliant Albums & EPs that have been released during the last 12 months. These eclectic offerings resonated with us and we’ll be talking about them long into the future. Huge thanks to all of the bands and artists who submitted music to us this year. 

In alphabetical order…here are our top Albums & EPs of 2024 (including multiple Honorable Mentions at the end because we hate leaving people out…)

ALBUMS

Beckon – Between the Bridge And The Tree

Having been a big fan of bands like Suggested Friends and Chorusgirl, I’ve been following songwriter and musician Faith MacNeil Taylor for a number of years now and always find myself completely immersed in each of their heartfelt creations. This year, with new project Beckon (FKA Athabaska), Faith has collaborated with a group of five other wonderful musicians to create queer alt-folk anthems. We were lucky enough to have them play for us at one of our gigs at The Shacklewell Arms back in March and I was utterly spellbound, so I knew I would like new album Between The Bridge and The Tree. But it really is quite something quite special. Alongside Faith’s distinctive exquisite emotion-rich vocals, lilting folk-strewn melodies flow throughout with a raw heartfelt grace; a truly stirring creation of resonant offerings. Between The Bridge And The Tree was released in October.
(Mari Lane – Managing Editor)

BERRIES – BERRIES

BERRIES’ much-anticipated album captures the electrifying energy of their live performances, with a set of well-crafted songs by some very skilled musicians. Their signature guitar riffs shine throughout, paired with pounding, energetic drums and commanding basslines that keep the tracks driving forward. The tracks combine catchy melodies, dynamic musicality and at times, a satisfying thick wall of sound, bringing to mind early 2000s indie bands like The Strokes and Yeah Yeah Yeahs as well as garage rock influences, resulting in a sound that feels both nostalgic and modern. The album is also balanced with some quieter and delicate moments like ‘Balance’ – the album’s single acoustic track. Overall, this is an album that expertly builds tension, keeping listeners captivated from start to finish.
(Ella Patenall – GIHE Contributor)

Brimheim – RATKING

Multi-instrumentalist Helena Heinesen Rebensdorff finds strength in self scrutiny on her excellent second album, RATKING. Released at the end of March, the LP is just as raw as the Danish-Faroese artist’s debut offering, can’t hate myself into a different shape (2022), but on RATKING, she vivaciously embraces remnants of shame, hyper-sensitivity and unrequited love and sets them to a more melodic, pop-tinged backdrop. The result is a witty, cathartic reflection on the contradictions of love, underscored by her audaciously dark humour.

Whether it’s the fully fleshed band sound and distinctive instrumentation on tracks like ‘Dancing In The Rubble’ and ‘Keep Bleeding Diamonds’, the infectious pop melodies on singles ‘Literally Everything’, ‘Brand New Woman’ and ‘Normies’, or the sonically more expansive tracks like ‘No Liver, No Lungs’ and ‘Surgeon’, Brimheim and esteemed producer Søren Buhl Lassen (Blaue Blume) have crafted an eclectic and exhilarating collection of lush alt-pop anthems. Watching Brimheim perform her new album at The Lexington earlier this year was a live highlight for me too. Her confidence in her artistic vision and revelation that she was almost ready to give up making music just a few years ago was truly inspiring.
(Kate Crudgington – Features Editor)

Elsa Hewitt – Chaos Emeralds

Written and recorded intermittently over the course of four years, electronic artist & producer Elsa Hewitt’s eighth album, Chaos Emeralds, is a deeply evocative listening experience. Her intuitive mix of lilting vocals, hypnotic synth loops and eclectic field recordings have helped reduce the cortisol levels in my body significantly this year.

Her improvisational writing style pulls you into a warm hypnosis, where notions such as ‘Unimaginable Pain’ are transformed into soothing electronic lullabies. Her lyrics were originally poems which she penned separately, blending them with her music at different intervals throughout the creative process. The album’s title – a nod to Sonic The Hedgehog – hints at the paradoxical way in which life presents us with difficulties in order to teach us resilience and recovery. This is something Elsa Hewitt has mastered on many of her previous records, but on this collection of tracks she truly achieves something special. She has been prolific this year and she is currently in the process of teasing her ninth album, Dominant Heartstrings, which is set for release in the near future. (KC)

Fightmilk – No Souvenirs

I’ve made no secret of my super fandom of Fightmilk over the years. I’ve been following them since they first played live for us back in 2018 and now – after having had the honour of them headlining many more of our gigs and being obsessed with their albums Not With That Attitude and Contender – my fandom has only continued to grow with the recent release of this year’s No Souvenirs. Reflecting on themes of getting older, particularly as a woman in music, the album exquisitely showcases the band’s ability to hone their sound, creating perfect punk-pop; angsty and uplifting in equal measure. Instantly catchy singalong anthems, combining their trademark tongue-in-cheek wit with a swirling energy and gritty raw emotion.

From fuzzy sentimentality to fierce tirades against patriarchal society, No Souvenirs is a perfect culmination of how Fightmilk have continued to refine their sound. With shades of noughties punk-pop, combined with an injection of fresh queer joy and raging emotion, it’s at once cathartic, validating and empowering. But, most importantly, fun. A sound that’s uniquely Fightmilk; truly distinctive in its colourful charisma, but consistently evolving into something more. No Souvenirs was released in November via Fika Recordings/INH Records. (ML)

Happy Accidents – Edit Undo

I’ve been a mega fan of Happy Accidents since first falling in love with the South London based duo at the late, great Indietracks Festival in 2018, and have been an avid follower of the active roles that both Rich and Phoebe have continued to play in the DIY music scene over the years, including their other musical projects, ME REX and Cheerbleederz. This year, they released their first album in a few years, the gorgeous Edit Undo, which marked a really fantastic return form combining the band’s trademark jangly hooks and emotion-rich twinkling harmonies with additional experimental, electronic soundscapes. I was lucky enough to catch their first live show in five years at Paper Dress Vintage in September, and it was a really special evening. Plus, Phoebe is also responsible for one of my other highlights of the year – learning drums at a First Timers Festival workshop with GIHE pal Kate. She was a really wonderful teacher, and inspired me to continue learning! Edit Undo was out in September via Alcopop! Records. (ML)

HAVVK – To Fall Asleep

Inspired by the complicated nature of sleep and bassist & vocalist Julie Hawks’s own experiences of insomnia, HAVVK’s third album, To Fall Asleep (released via VETA Records) is an urgent, cathartic listen that beguiles the senses and rattles the nerves in equal measure. The Irish alt-rock trio have been favourites of ours since they played our debut GIHE gig at The Finsbury pub back in 2016, and it’s been a privilege to watch them develop as a band over the last eight years.

Formed of front person Julie, guitarist Matthew Harris and former Bitch Falcon drummer Nigel Kenny, on To Fall Asleep, HAVVK interrogate the things that keep us awake at night. Whether they’re charging ahead on tracks like ‘Expiry’ – a vital anthem about the gendered double standards of ageing – or ruminating on anxiety on ‘Waste Of Time’, they create stirring, emotionally charged tracks that resonate long after the record has stopped spinning. It was a real pleasure to hear the band play some of their new tracks live this year when they headlined our GIHE gig at The Shacklewell Arms in March. (KC)

Jæd – I Loved The Gauntlet And There Was No Other Way

London-based, Irish-Puerto Rican musician Jæd played a GIHE gig for us in October 2022 supporting Pixie Cut Rhythm Orchestra and we were all blown away by her unique talent. Her stage presence, dynamic vocal range and virtuoso guitar playing have all translated beautifully into the tracks that form her debut album, I Loved The Gauntlet And There Was No Other Way, released via cult Irish label The Delphi Label. The record is an eclectic cacophony of guitar sounds inspired by the uncertainty and hardship that Jæd has lived through, and it’s a testament to the endurance of her creative spirit. ‘Very Fond’ is my personal favourite, but every song on the album is a gem. (KC)

Midwife – No Depression In Heaven

On her fourth LP, No Depression In Heaven, Colorado based musician and producer Madeline Johnston aka Midwife pays tribute to life on the road, reflecting on the eccentricities of a transient existence and the characters that colour the views between locations on the map. Her ambient shoegaze sounds pacify the pain of the grief that informed many of the tracks. Whether it’s an ode to her trusty tour vehicle on ‘Vanessa’ or a cover of ‘Better Off Alone’ which was originally released in 1999 by European popstar Alice Deejay, Midwife treats these things with equal parts grace and grit. No Depression in Heaven is a beautiful body of work full of her poetic lyrical motifs and hazy lullaby-like reverb. (KC)

Our Girl – The Good Kind

Having fallen completely in love with their 2018 debut, Stranger Today, my adoration of London trio Our Girl has only grown with the release of this year’s The Good Kind. Reflecting on poignant themes such as the heartbreak of seeing illness affect someone you love, challenges faced due to gender and sexuality, and the strength that can be found in community, the overarching feeling that permeates whilst listening is a gentle, comforting optimism. Propelled by a whirring energy and brit-pop inspired scuzzy hooks, each track fizzes with a glistening heartfelt emotion as Soph Nathan’s distinctive vocals ripple with an understated powerful grace, creating a deeply resonant shimmering splendour. The Good Kind was released in November via Bella Union. (ML)

Pink Suits – Dystopian Hellscape

Having released their blazing debut, Political Child, back in 2021, Margate duo pink suits released their second album, Dystopian Hellscape, this year. Inspired by the relentless over saturation of bleak news cycles, it loses none of the band’s politically aggressive, anti-Tory, anti-Fascist, Feminist Queer Energy. Exploring the effects that modern society and neoliberal politics can have on our mental health with the duo’s trademark tenacious spirit and raw musicality, it reflects on themes of self-care, grief, gender identity, sexuality and queer joy, showcasing pink suits’ ability to channel frustration into a perfect raging catharsis. In addition to creating these necessary punk anthems, throughout 2024 Lennie and Ray brought tonnes of queer joy performing as a country duo – on tour with Paisley James, at their own completely wonderful Queer Cuntry event at The Southbank Centre, and as part of our GIHE queer country night at Sebright Arms with Dolly Parton tribute band, The Dumb Blondes (more on this coming in our ‘Personal Highlights’ feature). Dystopian Hellscape was released in April. (ML)

Rubie – Seek Sisters

Having been fans of exquisite songstress Rubie for a while now, both as a solo artist and as part of the incredible F*Choir, we were delighted that she released a stunning new album this year. Flowing with a swirling majestic allure, Seek Sisters interweaves quirky jazz-tinged melodies with a soaring musicality and Rubie’s distinctive heartfelt vocals, creating something truly spellbinding; each and every note glistening with an empowering heartfelt grace. We were lucky enough to have Rubie perform the album in full for us at The Divine in November, and it really did feel like such a special night; accompanied by a full band and choir, she completely captivated us all with her shimmering joyous energy and stirring creations. Seek Sisters was released in September. (ML)

Schande – Once Around

Noise-pop-shoegaze-tinged legends and friends of GIHE, Schande, this year released their debut album, Once Around. Following 2019’s EP Pedigree, and having charmed our ears playing live for us a number of times over the last few years, this new release perfectly captures the band’s immersive, shimmering soundscapes. Flowing with a lilting twinkling grace, it truly is a thing of pure beauty as front-person Jen cements herself as a songwriter capable of exquisitely conveying the fragility of life with each rich sonic tapestry, as a resonant raw emotion ripples throughout. Such a dreamy collection of songs that I find impossible to listen to just once, but instead need to play at least twice, or even three times, around in a row! Once Around was released in April 2024 via Thurston and Eva Moore’s record label, The Daydream Library Series. (ML)

Whitelands – Night-bound Eyes Are Blind To The Day

Initially formed from DIY grassroots music initiatives like First Timers Fest and Decolonise Fest, Whitelands are gently dismantling the expectations and stereotypes surrounding the traditionally white-male oriented guitar music scene. Released via iconic shoegaze label Sonic Cathedral, their debut album, Night-Bound Eyes Are Blind To The Day, is a disarming reflection on everything from politics, philosophy (the album title is taken from the book ‘The Prophet’ by Kahlil Gibran) to ADHD, depression and heartbreak.

Vocalist and guitarist Etienne’s songwriting is deeply poetic, something which becomes more apparent when you read the accompanying lyric sheet on the album’s vinyl insert. His soft floating vocals are accompanied by lead guitarist Michael’s soaring riffs, drummer Jagun’s driving beats and Vanessa’s brooding bass lines, all of which intermittently push the record into both melancholic and euphoric territory. It was wonderful to have Whitelands with us in the studio for our Soho Radio show in February this year talking about their debut record. Having caught them live at Hammersmith Apollo and EARTH supporting Slowdive, as well as at Cro Cro Land and their album launch show at Rough Trade East, Whitelands have provided some of my favourite musical memories of 2024, both live and on record. (KC)

EPs

all cats are beautiful – Just Kids

In 2021, London based duo All Cats Are Beautiful released their gorgeous mini album The Things We Made. However, playing gigs and writing new songs then fell to the back burner when Ky from the band’s partner of ten years suddenly tragically passed away that same year. Now, three years on, Ky and Elena finally felt ready to share new music with their EP Just Kids; a heart achingly poignant reflection on love and loss. Delving into stark reflections on the pain that comes with losing someone that you love so intensely, the EP glistens with a raw vulnerability and emotion alongside its twinkling electro soundscapes, creating a truly beautifully cathartic and honest collection. The band perfectly summarise – “grief is just love with no place to go.” Just Kids was released in October via Peach Records. (ML)

Piney Gir – Cosmic Upside Down 

This year prolific artist (and self-proclaimed witch) Kansas-born Piney Gir released her new EP, Cosmic Upside Down. Propelled by a twinkling, lilting energy and Piney’s distinctive lush honeysweet vocals, each track on the EP oozes a sparkling immersive splendour. Whilst its spiritual roots remain evident throughout, it also touches on themes ranging from climate change to feminism; offering a stirring yet uplifting reflection on the world today. In addition to the EP release, 2024 also marked twenty years since Piney shared her first album, Peakahokahoo, and to celebrate we helped her promote a special 20th anniversary gig at The Lexington with a superstar line-up of Anat Ben-David (Chicks On Speed) and Psycho Delia (Robots In Disguise) – a really dreamy evening! Cosmic Upside Down was released in August via No Distance Records. (ML)

SPIDER – object of desire

I’ve been watching Irish alt-pop artist SPIDER grow since the release of her debut single ‘Water Sign’ in 2021, and it’s been a joy to see her talents recognised in the alternative rock scene this year. Her third EP, object of desire, is bursting with riotous, angst-ridden tunes about coming-of-age in an antagonistic world that tries to dictate this deeply personal process. The title track is a formidable anthem that perfectly outlines all that SPIDER is capable of as an artist; her clear intonation, candid lyricism and loud-and-quiet grunge and pop punk dynamics are showcased perfectly. It was a privilege to watch her perform AT her debut London headline show at The Camden Assembly earlier this year. Read my full review here. (KC)

Softcult – Heaven

Marking a heavier development in their sound, Heaven is the fourth EP from Canadian twin sibling duo Softcult. By blending shoegaze sensibilities with dream-pop melodies and Riot Grrrl politics, Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn tackle the pressures of existing in patriarchal society, the breakdown of platonic and romantic relationships and the fluctuating nature of mental health. Heaven is a cohesive, considered record that offers respite through heavy reverb and gloomy vocals, which the pair have perfected on this latest offering. Guitarist & vocalist Mercedes spoke eloquently about the inspirations behind the EP in an interview with me earlier this year. Read the full feature here. (KC)

Queen Of Nothing – The Pull

Recorded to tape at Middle Farm Studios with acclaimed producer Peter Miles (Torres, Orla Gartland and Dodie) independent alt-folk artist Abi Crisp aka Queen Of Nothing released her debut EP, The Pull, in November this year. It’s an atmospheric, brooding reflection on what it feels like to let go of heartbreak, uncertainty and fear and emerge as a truer version of ones self. I love her blend of shimmering and gritty guitar tones, tender vocals and dramatic volume shifts, which are epitomised on my favourite track ‘How Does It Feel’. (KC)

Honourable Mentions

Alien Chicks – Indulging The Mobs (EP)
ARXX – Good Boy
The Baby Seals – Chaos
Charley Stone – Here Comes The Actual Band
Chelsea Wolfe – She Reaches Out To She Reaches Out To She
Cherym – Take It Or Leave It
Coolgirl – Road Closures
Fears – affinity
Fraulein – Sink Or Swim
Julia-Sophie – forgive too slow
King Hannah – Big Swimmer
Los Bitchos – Talkie Talkie
Mammoth Penguins – Here
NikNak – Ireti
PostLast – Pull Me Into The Open Sea (EP)
Sassyhiya – Take You Somewhere
SOPHIE – SOPHIE
WISP – Pandora (EP)

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INTERVIEW: Softcult

It was 2021 the last time that we caught up with Softcult‘s guitarist and vocalist Mercedes Arn-Horn. A lot has happened for Canadian twin sibling shoegaze duo since then. Together, Mercedes and Phoenix have released four EPs – Year Of The Rat (2021), Year Of The Snake (2022), See You In The Dark (2023) and Heaven (2024) – supported the likes of Muse, Movemements and Incubus on tour and they’ve played headline shows across the USA, Canada and the UK. They’re currently back in the UK and preparing to play to a nearly sold out crowd at The Underworld in Camden tonight (12th November), with support from dream pop four piece Bleach Lab (ticket link here)

Dressed in her Softcult trademark ‘Gloomy Girl’ hoodie, when we spoke with Mercedes via Zoom a few weeks ago, she was excited to be returning to England and ready to bring the swirling, heavy sounds of their recent EP to the stage for fans to enjoy live. We discussed the evolution in Softcult’s sound, the band’s plans for a full length album, and we also touched upon the importance of being open about mental health issues and practicing self-care…

It’s been a few months now since Softcult released the Heaven EP. what are you most proud of about this record?

It’s the last EP we’ll put out for a while, because we’re working on a full length album. With this one we tried to get a little more conceptual with it as a whole body of work. I think sonically and musically we pushed ourselves to go into some different directions and really lean into the more obscure parts of our sound. There’s definitely still bops and stuff on the EP, but we really tried to lean heavily into the shoegaze element and also lean heavily into the Riot Grrrl, punk element. I think we were pushing ourselves sonically to try new things and I’m happy with how it turned out.

What has the reaction to it been like from your fans?

If you listen from this EP to the first one, you can definitely hear how things have grown. So I really appreciate it when we hear that from our fans and the people that like our music. It’s nice when they recognise and can see the work and the musicianship that we’ve put into our newer stuff. It never feels like a jarring change from EP to EP musically, but it’s still evolving.

There’s definitely a heavier shoegaze quality to the tracks on Heaven, even in the way that the songs transition into each other. Was this intentional when you were writing it?

A lot of what you’re describing has to do with the fact that the first and second EPs were released those during lockdown, so we weren’t able to tour. Now, fast forward to the Heaven EP, we’re 4 EPs deep and we’ve got a lot of touring under our belts, so I think that we were able to play around with interludes live, that we don’t do on the record with our earlier works. It’s really cool to see how audiences react when you’re jamming on stage. It gets really mesmerizing, it’s almost hypnotising sometimes. With the song ‘Haunt You Still’, for example, that’s one of my favourite ones on the EP because we took the time to do a whole instrumental section that really builds and there’s no vocals until the end. I think we learned some of those tricks from being on the road and playing live.

Speaking of playing live, you’re going to be back in the UK in November playing a headline tour with Bleach Lab. What are your anticipations for these shows? 

We love the UK. I really feel like that’s where Softcult got our start, even though we’re Canadian, our first ever tour was in the UK and I felt so much support from the fanbase and the music scene there. I feel really lucky that we get to be a part of it in some way. It’s one of the best scenes globally, in my opinion. I love it. Especially coming over at this time of the year when things are really gloomy and gothy, it’s such a vibe.

I’ve been a fan of Bleach Lab for a really long time. They’re putting out new music too so it just feels like a good time for us to come together and share the stage. I am really excited to play these new songs live. This particular set that we’ve been working on, we’ve had the chance to play on other tours, it’s probably the last tour that we’re gonna do with this particular live set. I’m really happy with the way it flows, there’s a lot of live interludes and extended parts of songs. Songs that kind of flow one into the other in a really intentional way. I’m excited to bring it to the UK.

As well as your own EP this year, you released a collaborative track with Bristol-based heavy band Split Chain titled ‘(Re)-Extract’. Tell me more about that. It’s such a HUGE sound that you’ve both created together.

It just worked out so well. The song gives me Deftones and Nirvana vibes. We were honoured to be asked to do it. I love collaborating with people when I can hear that there’s something we could add to the track. We just tried to add really spooky vocals, I was definitely trying to live my Amy Lee fantasy on that one for sure. I’m glad that we got to be part of the visual too. Who knows, one day maybe we’ll be able to go on tour with them.

It has that Southern California nu-metal sound, but I will say though, as someone who isn’t from the UK, but who is obsessed with UK music, the UK just has something in the sound that is different from anywhere else. I hear it in Split Chain’s sound. There’s just this nuanced intelligence about the music in the UK. There’s something about it that’s really compelling.

As well as playing live, another way that you interact with your fans is through your zine called SCripture. In the most recent edition, you penned a really compelling personal essay about mental health and the impact of stress on the body. Can you tell us more about what inspired you to share this story with your fans?

The SCripture zine is definitely all about fostering a community around social issues, political issues, and now I think it’s a good time to talk about mental health too. That was the reason we started the zine. We like to tie topics of the zine together with songs that we’ve written and that’s what inspired me to write that particular zine issue. Some of our songs, ‘Spiralling Out’ for example, in retrospect, when I hear that song, I’m recognising more what it’s about now than I did at the time when I wrote it. Then when I was thinking about it, I was like “this is definitely something more people should be talking about” in general. Get more awareness of it and more educated on it too. I do think knowledge is power. You feel less afraid when you’re not ignorant to certain situations.

When we are open about those things it takes away the taboo about talking about mental health and especially talking about women’s health in general. It was a real eye opener for me how stress manifests in so many different ways physically in the body. It’s kind of something I’m a little embarrassed to say I didn’t really know how much of an impact stress can have on you on a physical level until recently, and I think that’s because I was ignoring it for a very long time. So, I think the best thing that you can do is really own it and be transparent about it with people, and you’ll see how many other people have had similar experiences and gotten through it.

That’s the reason why I wanted to be very candid about it in that particular zine. Because when I started opening up to my female friends about what I was going through, I was shocked at how many other women had very similar experiences. It did make me feel less alone and less afraid in that situation. Also, I think a lot of the time when you acknowledge those things, it helps your mind process what’s going on and that helps your body too, so there’s a lot of reasons to talk about it.

Women’s health, our bodies and in our minds, it’s all so tied together. I think a lot of the time Women’s health can be something that’s swept under the rug. It’s very reductive and I am aware of that through not only my experience, but other women in my life who have had to deal with stuff. You end up having to do a lot of your own research and you’re lucky if a doctor is in tune with that and sensitive to those things. With my particular issues, I never thought it was stress, but it definitely was. So dealing with that helped me on the physical side of things too. But my mind was going in a completely different directions and that definitely doesn’t help.

Being a touring musician can also bring its own unique set of stresses and mental and physical health challenges. What advice would you give to other musicians who might be struggling?

For me, I know that my thing is I don’t know when to slow down. That feels like something really difficult to do on tour. But some good advice that I got was just do one thing for yourself everyday that has no other motive, other than it’s just something that you want to do. So on tour for me, that could be going for a walk, getting a coffee, taking a nice long shower at the end of the day. Those are things that seem very luxurious or frivolous, but if you deny yourself these things that centre you and ground you, after a while you’re gonna notice that the stress just keeps building up and the anxiety builds up and there’s no outlet for it. Luckily for me, being on stage and performing is an outlet for me. Being on tour, while certain parts of it can be stressful, the good news is at least once a day you do have that cathartic moment where you can let things out. Strangely I don’t feel that stressed on tour. I think I get more stressed out when I’m at home.

I think everyone’s different, and different things stress you out in different ways, but for me, I love having creative outlets like writing music, performing music, writing the zine – those are all really good outlets for me. So I’d say take time for yourself, even if it’s just a couple of minutes a day to ground yourself and do something that brings you peace and makes you feel calm. You’re doing it just for yourself. It sounds small, but it does have a very big impact.

It can be difficult to ask for that space can’t it? Sometimes it can be perceived in a negative way, like you’re being “difficult”…

Not so much now, because we’re evolving as a society and as a scene, but there have been so many times when you’re made to feel like you’re being a diva if you need to set a boundary as a female artist. People can be so ignorant about that. I often see my male counterparts setting very similar boundaries with people – even with fans for example – if you feel like someone is taking up a lot of your space and making you feel uncomfortable – I feel like the second you say that as a woman, it’s suddenly like “oh she’s a diva” and you just don’t see that same kind of energy with our male counterparts. My advice to female artists out there would be don’t listen to that noise. Just stand your ground, do what’s right for you. You don’t owe anyone anything, but you owe yourself everything.

This will be your last tour for a while, as you’re in the process of recording your debut album. What can you tell us about the record?

We’re in the middle of recording it right now and we’re about half way done. We’re going to finish it before the end of the year and then release it next year. It’s really exciting. We just got our concept figured out and we chose a title and a rough track-listing in the past two weeks. It’s cool because we’ve been releasing EPs for the entire life of this band, but now we finally get to do a full length album. In some ways I love just putting out singles and having a way shorter timeline between releases so that you can keep creating. But in other ways, I do really love the idea of this body of work that’s just a whole concept, a whole era of music that’s laid out and a story that’s being told, and an opportunity to really world-build with the band. That’s the mindset we’re going into with this. Taking our time and really doing it right, since it’s our first actual full length. We’re really trying to sink our teeth into the creative aspect of things. I’m really excited about it because it is coming together. It’s almost like a blurry photo coming into focus and I can finally see what the photo is.

Thanks to Mercedes for taking the time to speak with us!

Follow Softcult on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Facebook & X

Photo Credit: Kaylene Widdoes

Kate Crudgington
@kate_crudge

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FIVE FAVOURITES: Softcult

Formed of twin siblings Phoenix and Mercedes Arn Horn, Canadian duo Softcult have had a busy few years touring extensively with the likes of Incubus, Movements and MUSE, as well as releasing a trio of excellent EPs: Year Of The Rat (2021), Year Of The Snake (2022), and See You In The Dark (2023). Now, the pair are gearing up to release a new collection of songs, titled Heaven, which they’ll be sharing on 24th May via Easy Life.

With their shimmering guitar tones, swirling FX and atmospheric dual vocals, Softcult provide their listeners with welcome moments of respite from the pressures of everyday life. With tracks that touch on issues of body image and self esteem, to anthems that advocate for gender equality and anti-capitalism, the duo’s musical ethos is rooted in a desire for a better world than the one we currently exist in. This is the thread that connects the tracks on their upcoming EP, Heaven.

We think one of the best ways to get to know a band is by asking what music inspired them to write in the first place. We caught up with guitarist and vocalist Mercedes to ask about her “Five Favourites” – five tracks that have inspired Softcult’s songwriting techniques. Check out her choices below and scroll down to listen to Softcult’s latest single ‘Spiralling Out‘ at the end of this post…

 

1. Radiohead – In Rainbows
I can’t say enough about how much this album has influenced me. Since I first heard it I fell in love with Johnny Greenwood’s guitar work, Colin Greenwood’s basslines, and of course Thom Yorke’s hauntingly beautiful vocals and lyrics. It changed the way I think about groove, opening new possibilities on how melodic instruments interact with percussion, and creating melodies that stand alone yet fit together like the intricate pieces of a puzzle. Easily one of my favourite records of all time.

2. The Sundays – Reading, Writing & Arithmetic
This album is so enchanting and captivating for me. I’m drawn in by Harriet Wheeler’s delicate and dreamy vocals and David Gavurin’s shimmering, jangly guitars. Together they create an atmosphere that beautifully captures emotions like ebullience and pensiveness and balances them in such an introspective way. It’s very intelligent music that is also easy to listen to, which is a rare combination. It’s influenced my vocals and melody writing, as well as my guitar style and tone on our dreamier songs.

3. Deftones – Diamond Eyes
Deftones have SO MANY incredible albums, so it’s really hard to choose a favourite, but I think Diamond Eyes is one I keep coming back to because I love the dichotomy of heavy, crushing guitar and atmospheric, heavenly shoegaze ambience. Chino Moreno sings with such angst, yearning, and sort of this agonizing lustiness that I haven’t heard from any other vocals. It’s so expressive. It captures a very specific mood. It definitely has influenced our music in a big way.

4. Cocteau Twins – Head Over Heels
Again, just a huge influence on us in terms of atmosphere, guitar tones, vocals, and overall ambience. This record was so ahead of its time. I think it shaped the sound of dream pop and shoegaze a decade before that scene really bloomed. This record is enchanting and mesmerizing for me. It has a mystery to it. Elizabeth Fraser’s vocal style is a huge influence on me, as well as Robin Guthrie’s guitar style. I don’t think ‘Love Song’ would exist if I’d never been exposed to this album.

5. Bikini Kill – Pussy Whipped
While this album definitely has a different sound than anything Softcult has ever been influenced by musically, I cannot deny that I am deeply inspired by the lyricism and ethos of Kathleen Hanna. Kathleen is the woman who essentially founded the Riot Grrrl movement and zine culture in the feminist punk scene. Her activism through music is what inspired me to be in a band and to use my art to empower people, specifically women, non-binary and trans people.

I honestly try to channel her when I’m on stage, no matter how nervous I might feel. Her ability to channel righteous feminine rage and power into a movement that continues to fight for equality is nothing short of inspiring. We are HEAVILY influenced by Bikini Kill’s fiercely cutting and poignant lyricism as well as the riot grrrl aesthetic and culture that they founded in the 1990s.

Honourable Mention: My Bloody Valentine – Loveless
I feel it would be remiss if I didn’t also include My Bloody Valentine’s album in this list. Sorry, I know we were supposed to only pick five! But this album has so greatly shaped my guitar playing and Phoenix’s production in terms of creating a wall of sound with macerating fuzz into reverb the way Kevin Shields does. I just have to mention it or I couldn’t live with myself.

Thanks to Mercedes for sharing her Five Favourites with us!

Watch the video for Softcult’s latest single ‘Spiralling Out’ below
Pre-order Softcult’s upcoming EP, Heaven, here

Follow Softcult on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Facebook & X

Photo Credit: Kaylene Widdoes

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

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NEW TRACK: Softcult – ‘Shortest Fuse’

Following on from their previous single ‘Haunt You Still’ – a bittersweet reflection on the mark we leave on others in the extended aftermath of a breakup – Canadian duo Softcult have shared their latest track, ‘Shortest Fuse’. A melodic lament to the vice-like grip of life under capitalism, the single is another haunting blend of the band’s trademark shadowy riffs, urgent vocals and commanding beats.

Formed of twin siblings Phoenix and Mercedes Arn Horn, Softcult have had a busy few years touring with the likes of Incubus and MUSE, as well as releasing a trio of excellent EPs: Year Of The Rat (2021), Year Of The Snake (2022), and See You In The Dark (2023). Now, the pair are gearing up to release another collection of songs, with new single ‘Shortest Fuse’ providing listeners with an insight into what they can expect from the duo in the coming months.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the track, Softcult explain: “Capitalism seems to be designed to keep underprivileged people toiling in a never ending cycle of debt and poverty where their labor is underpaid in order to profit their employers. The benefits of capitalism are rarely equally distributed, accruing wealth to a very small percentage of the population. Built on the notion of greed, benefitting only by paying workers less than what their labor is worth, it’s difficult to not become disenfranchised with capitalism when you exist in this reality and see no end in sight. We can’t become complicit in a system that is designed to keep us down.”

With their shimmering guitar tones, swirling FX and gentle dual vocals, Softcult provide listeners with a moment of respite from the pressures of everyday life on ‘Shortest Fuse’. Watch the band’s self-directed accompanying video for the track below.

Follow Softcult on bandcamp, Spotify, Instagram, Facebook & X

Photo Credit: Kaylene Widdoes

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Kate CrudgingtonLeave a comment