“When a Flower Doesn’t Grow” - Softcult
Released January 30, 2026 through Easy Life.File under: shoegaze/grunge/alternative rock
Canadian twin sisters Phoenix and Mercedes Arn-Horn’s band Softcult have been so incredibly prolific since they appeared in 2020, it’s difficult to think of When a Flower Doesn’t Grow as their debut full length record. Having previously released 4 EPs and no less than 20 singles, their musical prowess shines through on this 11 track, 30 minute album.
Varyingly sublime shoegaze and angsty punk-like grunge songs, the album veers from a wall of melodic noise to angry screams of frustration and anger. After what could be described as a signature shoegaze album, it quickly becomes apparent that there is a message beyond the dreampop sounds. Tracks four 16/25, five She Said, He Said and six Hurt Me all speak of the trials and horrors of growing up as girl/woman in today’s society; 16/25 talks of grown men attracted to 16 year olds; She Said, He Said is a song about sexual assault and her story not being believed; the dark industrial Hurt Me about the repressed feelings and shame of growing up a girl.
After that gradual build up to those three songs, and the cathartic release gained, we arrive back in the territories of softer shoegaze and dreampop. The 3 darker tracks art the core of the album are the real meat of the matter, and the surrounding tracks act as a wonderful foil to the angst within, like the facade outside giving way to the reality of who Softcult are as people.
Citing influences as everything from Pussy Riot, and Bikini Kill riot grrrl sounds to the shoegaze and grunge sounds of My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive and Deftones, these sounds really lend to the richness of this album. If you enjoy any of those bands, I feel like you’ll enjoy this one.
“When a flower doesn’t growDo we blame the dying roseOr the soil that id called homeand the roots that yearned for the unknown?”
Have a listen to the track 16/25 below.
Listen to “When a Flower Doesn’t Grow” on:Apple Music }|{ Spotify }|{ Tidal