Softcult announces 2023 tour dates, releases new single ‘Dress’
The tour will be in support of their upcoming EP See You in the Dark
Image: Pearl Cook
Alt-indie rockers Softcult are heading on the road this year! Twins Mercedes (she/her) and Phoenix Arn-Horn (they/them) will embark on their first-ever United States tour, and support UK rockers swim school on their spring UK & EU tour. The end of the U.S. tour will coincide with the release of their upcoming EP See You in the Dark, followed by a newly announced Toronto date with alt-pop band PONY. Indie band Soft Blue Shimmer will support the U.S. leg.
Alongside their tour announcements, Softcult released a new single. Dress, a song that deals with consent and sexual assault, pens these experiences with the fears faced on a night out. The band have never shied away from discussing important topics in their songwriting, making Dress a newfound rallying cry against rape culture (“It’s a dress, not a yes / Not a fucking invitation / A night out with friends / Won’t ever feel the same again”). The accompanying music video is as brutally honest as the song itself, depicting the story of a survivor who feels the sentiments echoed in the song. On the surface, it starts out as if it will be another indie rock-influenced grunge song; however, Softcult’s knack for poignant lyricism makes its message crystal clear for a much-needed ongoing conversation in the music scene.
Content Warning: The song and video covered discuss sexual assault/harassment
Following the success of their previous EPs and opening spots on Incubus and MUSE’s tours, Softcult plan on starting the second quarter of 2023 with a mighty bang. See You In the Dark follows the band’s previous EPs Year of the Rat and Year of the Snake, alongside a couple of Nirvana covers to grace your ears.
Softcult has made a name and garnered room for immense growth; nevertheless, they have already been acclaimed by artists in the scene and in press headlines. One of Canada’s best and brightest, Softcult proves that Riot Grrrl, Shoegaze, grunge, and music with a message is here to stay. Their artistry is sure to show through their upcoming performances, and we can’t wait to see what comes of it.
See You In The Dark is out March 24th via Easy Life Records. Pre-save here.