Softcult - When a Flower Doesn't Grow (Album Review)
Friday, 06 February 2026
Written by Matthew McLister
It certainly feels like shoegaze’s moment is going to run for some time. The genre’s noisy, melodic blend of melancholia and chaos continues to offer a rich hunting ground for today’s artists, more than three decades since Ride, Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine enjoyed the scene’s cultural peak.
Among the latest making a serious impression are Softcult: the project of Canadian siblings Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn. On ‘When a Flower Doesn't Grow’ they deliver an exhilarating debut that fuses heavy shoegaze, ‘90s grunge grit and atmospheric dream-pop. Better still, it’s all tied together by an uncompromising riot grrrl ethos.
The journey to this point is one of second chances. The twins previously spent more than a decade as half of pop-punk fourpiece Courage My Love before stepping away after finding life on a major label creatively stifling.
Formed in 2020, Softcult soon offered them a clean slate and a fresh opportunity, which they grab with both hands on this brilliant record.
These 11 tracks are warm and explosive, confident and ferocious. Describing their sound as “riotgaze”, they confront hard societal truths head on, tackling topics such as gender stereotypes, abuse and oppression.
16/25 is a soaring early highlight — Mercedes’ vocals ethereal as she calls out men who victimise underage girls. She Said, He Said is similarly ominous yet more sarcastic in tone — the meaty bassline, hooky riff and catchy chorus offer deceptive playfulness against a toxic tale of “nice guy” coercion and sexual abuse. Later, they bring the tempo down on heavenly shoegaze ballad Queen of Nothing, which investigates unrealistic expectations society places on women.
Elsewhere, beautiful sonics take centre stage over lyrical themes. The hazy Pill to Swallow is a dream-pop delight and a rallying call against hopelessness. The Slowdive-esque Naive then leaves a devastating impression, stomping along with fury and reflection, while Not Sorry delivers a late euphoric high point to raise the hairs on the back of your neck once more.
‘When A Flower Doesn’t Grow’ packs a punch from start to finish. An assured shoegaze record that demands repeated listens — it will deservedly rank amongst 2026’s finest debut releases.
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