Nothing Subtle about Softcult: Canadian Sibling Duo Rocks the RecordBar

Kansas City Welcomes Softcult’s Unique Musical Blend

The third date of their summer tour brought Canadian sibling duo Softcult to Kansas City on July 2, 2024, where they delivered their distinctive blend of Shoegaze Riot-Girrrl rock at the renowned RecordBar. The evening’s mood was initially set by the Bay Area-based alternative band, Present. Their performance, with its echoes of Deftones and Superheaven, efficiently prepared the audience for what was to follow.

Softcult Takes the Stage

Dimly lit by a projector playing silver screen classics, Softcult took to the stage 15 minutes later. The show began with “Haunt You Still,” the opening track from their latest EP, Heaven. The beautifully haunting vocal harmonies of Phoenix and Mercedes Arn-Horn, the siblings behind Softcult, were notable throughout the show, particularly during the first four songs. The less intense musical selection presented a perfect backdrop for their vocal harmonies and honest lyrics. But the tempo soon picked up.

Increasing Intensity with “Spit It Out”

The band played their hit song, “Spit it Out,” as the set began to gain intensity. The audience was effortlessly drawn into the heavier song following a brief jam session. The band’s energy began to match the growing intensity of the set. The lights skewed to an ominous red, signifying a shift in the direction of the night.

Powerful Anthem against Abuse

Midway through the set, lead singer Mercedes shared the story behind the poignant “BWBB,” an acronym for Boys Will Be Boys. Preceding the song with a powerful monologue, Mercedes made a call against violence towards women. The song, which was inspired by the tragic case of Sarah Everard, serves as an anthem against abuse and victim blaming.

Continued Activism

The outspoken activism that has endeared the group to their fans was very much evident. Mercedes gave voice to various issues such as trans rights, ending violence against women, and criticizing powerful, ego-driven men. These are just a few of the positive messages Softcult openly discusses, using their platform for advocacy.

Rounding off the Performance

Softcult rounded off their set with a few tracks from their latest EP, concluding with “Uzumaki.” This concluded with Phoenix standing atop the drumset, and Mercedes center stage, continuing to speak out in favor of human rights.

Wrapping Up

The raw, powerful songwriting that characterizes Softcult is a marvel, as is their musicianship. Their performance was airtight, equal to any global arena act’s performance standard. Softcult’s ability to create and maintain an undeniable ambiance throughout their performance was highly impressive.