may 30, 2025 - toronto, canada

Rising to the forefront of the modern day Riot Grrrl movement, Ontario band Softcult has taken off on their Spring 2025 tour across North America. The indie-rock duo combines grunge, shoegaze, dreampop, and punk influences to create a unique sound while maintaining the punk values and political messaging of the original Riot Grrrl movement, now reflecting society defined by the digital age.

Spearheaded by twin siblings Mercedes Arn-Horn on vocals and guitar and Phoenix Arn-Horn on vocals and drums, the two bring a unique DIY approach to Softcult that is reflected throughout the show. The DIY nature of the project includes writing, performing, recording, and producing all of their own music, as well as directing and editing their music videos, designing the artwork themselves, doing their own photography, and creating a monthly handmade zine.

As the lights dim at Toronto’s The Mod Club, Phoenix walks out to the drum kit in front of the LED screen, lit up with a compilation video made up of old film footage of protests, rats in science experiments and old movie clips that set the tone of the show and continue through the set. Messaging that addresses sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and the patriarchy is present in both the music and the accompanying set design, setting the overarching atmosphere of the show.

Softcult is entrancing from the first chord, as the audience inches closer to the stage as they are pulled into the music. Songs like “Heaven” have the audience softly singing and swaying along as if hypnotized by the music before them. As the set continues, Softcult uses tracks like “Take It Off” to address the patriarchy, not shying away from criticizing it in any form as they analyze how the patriarchy manifests in toxic relationships.

Softcult is unafraid to show you exactly who they are and what they feel is important. In a world where everything is toned down and made palatable for mass consumption, Softcult has no problem calling things exactly what they are, no matter how uncomfortable the conversation may be. Pouring their soul into every aspect of the project from the songs to music videos and media, the Arn-Horn twins have defined exactly what matters to them and are more than ready for anyone to pay attention. Catch them now on tour across North America until the end of June before they leave for Europe and the UK in the fall.