SOFTCULT RELEASE NEW SINGLE
Copyright: Kaylene Widdoes
Ontario-based modern grunge sibling duo Softcult have today unveiled their vital new single ‘She Said, He Said’, the latest offering from their recently announced debut album When A Flower Doesn’t Grow, set for release on January 30, 2026 via Easy Life Records.
Speaking about the track, vocalist Mercedes Arn-Horn shares: “‘She Said, He Said’ is a song about believing survivors of assault. It’s known that SA cases are historically under-reported, and most victims don’t come forward for fear of being accused of lying. When survivors do come forward they are all too often blamed for encouraging the situation that led to the assault in the first place. Myths and bogus claims aiming to dismiss allegations of assault perpetuate misinformation that leads to mistrust and suspicion of survivors when they decide to share their stories. This culture of misogynistic skepticism contributes to the silencing of survivors, enabling predators to continue with their mistreatment while escaping accountability. This song tells a story that is all too familiar; the “nice guy” that coerces and pressures his victim instead of asking for consent.”
On the track’s accompanying official music video, Mercedes continues, “We wanted to create a visual that tackles this very poignant and nuanced subject matter in a respectful way, while still resonating and getting the intended message across. We decided to focus on the frustration many women feel when we tell traumatic stories and are met with suspicion and accusations. We chose an interrogation room setting to capture the feeling of “making a case” for our truth to be heard and believed. We included some Easter eggs referencing other videos from this album cycle, which represent a common theme of patriarchal oppression and abuse. The clues displayed as evidence on the interrogation room table lead directly to the anonymous male characters in other videos (Naive, 16/25). However, the detective fails to make the connection, blinded by patriarchal bias, and instead casts suspicion and classically blames the victim.”
Written during a time of personal upheaval and growth, the new album When A Flower Doesn’t Grow was inspired by a quote that resonated deeply with Mercedes: “When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” That philosophy anchors the album’s ten tracks, which explore cycles of oppression, abuse, and conformity, while also championing the courage it takes to break free and reclaim your narrative.
“The truth is, nothing can thrive in an environment where it is stifled,” Mercedes says. “We can’t flourish in environments that are oppressive. We need the world around us to be an environment that encourages us to grow.”
Sonically, When A Flower Doesn’t Grow expands Softcult’s distinctive blend of grunge, shoegaze, and alt-rock. Fuzzed-out riffs meet gauzy soundscapes, all underscored by raw, diaristic lyricism. It’s intimate yet universal, an album for anyone who’s ever felt trapped by their surroundings, and a rallying cry to cultivate change from the ground up.
The LP follows their acclaimed Heaven EP, which reimagined the concept of the afterlife to critique a culture obsessed with the future while neglecting urgent issues in the now. That release earned them the cover of Spotify’s MARROW playlist (4.7M+ followers), major international touring, and praise from artists like Hayley Williams and Oli Sykes. They’ve shared stages with Incubus, MUSE, and earned acclaim from Stereogum, BrooklynVegan, Paste, Consequence, AltPress, Kerrang!, CBC, The Gay Times, and more.
True to their fiercely DIY spirit, Softcult are hands-on in every aspect of their art. Phoenix handles production, engineering, and visual design, while Mercedes writes, co-produces, directs, and edits their poignant video content. They also run a monthly zine (SCripture) and an active Discord community, using their platform to inspire connection, reflection, and resistance.
