If you listen to almost any shoegaze band, you’ll find intensely layered reverb, brick-walled modulated guitars, and interesting (sometimes unconventional) production choices. These elements draw listeners in for a specific sound and have helped the genre maintain a cult following over the years. However, what separates the good from the great artists in the genre is songwriting. Softcult’s duo of Mercedes and Phoenix Arn Horn has shown over their 4 EPs that they write killer songs that incorporate key elements of the genre. The decisions they make feel like they serve the songs, and the production elements never feel forced. This is what separates Softcult from the pack.

Unlike most bands that release a full-length album every year, Toronto, Ontario’s Softcult seems to be on a release cycle of putting out an EP of 5-6 songs annually. These EPs are usually all killer and no filler, and “Heaven” is no exception. On Heaven, Softcult has written six of their best songs to date that are sure to please not only their fans but also new listeners.

One thing I love about Softcult’s writing is their ability to sprinkle catchy melodies over an atmospheric soundscape. Songs like “Shortest Fuse” and “Spiraling Out” are great examples of this. The vocal melody for “Spiraling Out” is very reminiscent of something you’d find on the last two Teenage Wrist albums. This doesn’t come as a big surprise, considering the Canadian duo were featured on their last album, “Still Love.”

Some of the most beautiful musical moments on “Heaven” come from the album’s centerpiece, “9 Circles.” This song is seeping with nostalgia as the narrator seems to be reaching out to someone who is no longer in their life, saying “God knows where you’ve been, or when I’ll see you again.” The chorus features soaring vocals over massive guitars, creating an absolute cathartic moment of bliss.

Instrumentally, Softcult utilizes their production tools as well as any band in the shoegaze genre. During their soft moments the guitars are drenched with lush modulation reverb. However, the band also isn’t afraid to get loud. The best example of this is on “One of the Pack.” The guitars in the chorus of the song form a wall of sound in the best way. You can barely make out the screamed vocal under them, and I think that’s the point. This moment is reminiscent of something Holy Fawn would have done on “Death Spills.”

One aspect that I would like to see Softcult explore more in their songwriting is their use of the bass guitar. These songs are very guitar-driven, which I really enjoy, but it would be interesting to hear more moments where the bass guitar plays a more prominent role in the foundation of the song.

There’s no doubt that artists like Softcult are very important to the rock genre. On “Heaven,” Softcult wants to call attention to society’s obsession with the afterlife, specifically how people’s idealized views of what heaven should be are often contradicted in life. The band is calling for equality while excelling in a genre of music that sometimes lacks it. It’s important that they are doing this while writing high-quality music that is sure to captivate the ears of music listeners for years to come. Because at the end of the day, to have an impact, you have to reach an audience, and I believe we will continue to see Softcult grow theirs.

Rating: 8.3/10

Softcult – Heaven 

Release date: 5/24/24

Tracklist:

1. Haunt You Still

2. One of the Pack

3. Spiralling Out

4. 9 Circles

5. Shortest Fuse

6. Heaven

Reviewed by Bryan Williams