#softcult — Public Fediverse posts

THE LOCALIST: FEBRUARY 2026 WRAP UP

Softcult—When A Flower Doesn’t Grow  (LP) 

Release Date: Jan. 30, 2026

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Grunge, Shoegaze

After delivering four exciting EPs between 2021 and 2024 and touring extensively during that same time, the sibling duo of Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn have finally released their fantastically hazy debut full-length album. The project explores challenging and sometimes taboo themes such as mental health and misogyny through creatively contemplative and unapologetically honest song writing. 

CHURCH FIGHT— Self-Titled EP (EP)

Release Date: Feb. 13, 2026

City: Cambridge 

Genre: Skate Punk

This brand new five-piece punk rock band comprised of veteran musicians has come hot out of the gate with a high octane three-track debut EP that is guaranteed to incite a brawl. With a blisteringly high tempo consistent across the entire project, the band has put together a collection of aggressively catchy punk songs with intricate melodic guitar riffs as a key focal point. 

Daphne—Jeepers (EP) 

Release Date: Feb. 13, 2026

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Instrumental Pop, R&B

The exciting debut EP release from Daphne is fully instrumental and irresistibly groovy. Blending smooth R&B instrumentation with accessible melodies from popular contemporary music makes for an easy and enjoyable listen. The track list includes four covers: Dua Lipa’s “Levitating”, SZA’s “Snooze”, Justin Bieber’s “SPEED DEMON” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Tears”.

A Horse Named Friday—Dana & Evelyn (Demo)

Release Date: Feb. 21, 2026

City: Kitchener

Genre: Chamber Folk

Eight raw and emotional live recordings preceded by six carefully delicate studio versions make up the collection of songs on A Horse Named Friday’s latest demo project. This listening experience breathes a sense of fresh perspective into the songs with the addition of the band’s stage banter and audience noise helping the listener to truly connect with the intimacy of the performances. 

KROKA— Have You Lost Your Mind? (Single) 

Release Date: Feb. 26, 2025

City: Kitchener

Genre: Desert Rock

Kroka is a three-piece rock band with a sound that is significantly heavier than expected based on their limited roster size. Their newest single features slow, heavy and fuzz-laden guitars as well as a gritty yet soulful performance from lead vocalist Richard Fenna. The song explores the idea of indulging in our distractions as an act of avoidance and the inevitability that we all must eventually address our problems.

Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp. 

I track music I listen to through Last.fm every day, and the 2025 report from the site captured a year where I made an effort to listen to a lot of new music but returned to favourites often.

I listened to a lot of Softcult, Ian Penn, Matthew Sweet, The Dears, and Hiroyuki Sawano in 2025. Sawano’s Xenoblade Chronicles X soundtrack was playing as a constant. Ian Penn’s Seascapes was another brilliant folk album I return to again and again. Dream Kittu’s cover of “Uncontrollable” from the Xenoblade Chronicles X soundtrack was another aspect of that game bleeding out into my life.

I track music I listen to through Last.fm every day, and the 2025 report from the site captured a year where I made an effort to listen to a lot of new music but returned to favourites often.

I listened to a lot of Softcult, Ian Penn, Matthew Sweet, The Dears, and Hiroyuki Sawano in 2025. Sawano’s Xenoblade Chronicles X soundtrack was playing as a constant. Ian Penn’s Seascapes was another brilliant folk album I return to again and again. Dream Kittu’s cover of “Uncontrollable” from the Xenoblade Chronicles X soundtrack was another aspect of that game bleeding out into my life.

I track music I listen to through Last.fm every day, and the 2025 report from the site captured a year where I made an effort to listen to a lot of new music but returned to favourites often.

I listened to a lot of Softcult, Ian Penn, Matthew Sweet, The Dears, and Hiroyuki Sawano in 2025. Sawano’s Xenoblade Chronicles X soundtrack was playing as a constant. Ian Penn’s Seascapes was another brilliant folk album I return to again and again. Dream Kittu’s cover of “Uncontrollable” from the Xenoblade Chronicles X soundtrack was another aspect of that game bleeding out into my life.

I track music I listen to through Last.fm every day, and the 2025 report from the site captured a year where I made an effort to listen to a lot of new music but returned to favourites often.

I listened to a lot of Softcult, Ian Penn, Matthew Sweet, The Dears, and Hiroyuki Sawano in 2025. Sawano’s Xenoblade Chronicles X soundtrack was playing as a constant. Ian Penn’s Seascapes was another brilliant folk album I return to again and again. Dream Kittu’s cover of “Uncontrollable” from the Xenoblade Chronicles X soundtrack was another aspect of that game bleeding out into my life.

I track music I listen to through Last.fm every day, and the 2025 report from the site captured a year where I made an effort to listen to a lot of new music but returned to favourites often.

I listened to a lot of Softcult, Ian Penn, Matthew Sweet, The Dears, and Hiroyuki Sawano in 2025. Sawano’s Xenoblade Chronicles X soundtrack was playing as a constant. Ian Penn’s Seascapes was another brilliant folk album I return to again and again. Dream Kittu’s cover of “Uncontrollable” from the Xenoblade Chronicles X soundtrack was another aspect of that game bleeding out into my life.

Softcult release "Queen Of Nothing" from their debut album When A Flower Doesn't Grow (Jan 30 via Easy Life). Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn blend grunge and shoegaze with direct lyrics about systemic discrimination.
#Softcult #BestNewMusic2025 #Week50 #Softcult
https://go.stereobar.net/mh37y3k

THE LOCALIST: JULY 2025

SIN COLA-demo 2025 (Demo)

Release Date: Jun. 30, 2025

City: Kitchener 

Genre:Emo Folk

The sophomore demo release from SIN COLA is a compelling two-track installment featuring only vocals, acoustic guitar and the soft buzz of ambient noise filling the background. The recordings immediately establish a warm lo-fi charm that pairs thoughtfully alongside the intimate lyricism and delicate vocal delivery of Nicolas Couture.  

SOFTCULT— Naive (SINGLE) 

Release Date: Jul. 9, 2025

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Grunge, Shoegaze

Softcult is a powerful duo consisting of twins Phoenix and Mercedes Arn-Horn. Their newest single, “Naive,” precedes their forthcoming debut full-length album [title?]. The track is an emotional rollercoaster that which tackles themes of innocence and broken trust. The band carefully balances hazy shoegaze riffs with ethereal vocals and mindful instrumental reprieves to help convey their lyrical intentions.  

SHRIEKING— demo (Demo)

Release Date: Jul. 14, 2025

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Electronic, Hyperpop

Inspired by the local music scene and motivated by the goal to publicly release music for the first time, Shrieking’s debut demo includes features two instrumental electronic beats that are songs with abrasive, electrifying and chaotic electronic beats. Self-proclaimed as hardcore grimy hyperpop, Shrieking is currently working on an EP that will include vocals to help fulfill their broader musical vision. 

AVRO ARROWS— It’s Easy//Moving Fast (SINGLE) 

Release Date: Jul. 18, 2025

City: Waterloo 

Genre: Indie Rock, Power Pop 

Having brought their brand of power- pop- inspired indie rock to the Waterloo Region for just over a year now, Avro Arrows have finally delivered their debut recordings with the songs “It’s Easy” and “Moving Fast.” The clean and well-polished production compleiments the bright guitars and catchy choruses that are at the forefront of these upbeat power rock anthems.  

SYDNEY JONES—NOT MY PEOPLE (Single) 

Release Date: Jul. 24, 2025  

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Folk

Sydney Jones is a heartfelt singer-songwriter and is accompanied by Rob Szabo and Ben Rollo on her newest song “Not My People,” which is a sentimental exploration of the experience of outgrowing yourself and the people around you. Jones appears more comfortable than ever in her sound—exhibiting a careful blend of pop, indie and folk influences.  

Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp. 

#Accessible #altnerative #avroArrows #Bandcamp #BirdDaniels #Column #eletronic #emo #ep #folk #grunge #hyperpop #IndieFolk #IndiePop #indieRock #itSEasy #kitchener #localMusic #localMusicians #Localist #lp #milhowse #movingFast #naive #newReleases #nicolasCulture #notMyPeople #Pop #popPunk #postPunk #Rock #shoegaze #sinCola #single #softcult #sydneyJones

19 New Songs Out Today
https://www.brooklynvegan.com/19-new-songs-out-today-72/

#brooklynvegan_category_music #Music #Action_Adventure #Actress #Bat_For_Lashes #Chenayder #Florist #Geneva_Jacuzzi #Lightning_Bug #mavi #New_Songs #New_Tracks #Rosina_Bullen #softcult #Take_Offense #The_Calamatix #The_Lovely_Eggs

26 New Songs Out Today
https://www.brooklynvegan.com/26-new-songs-out-today-48/

#brooklynvegan_category_music #Music #AKTHESAVIOR #Andre_3000 #Bat_For_Lashes #billy_morrison #Blushing #Carlos_Nino #Dave_Okumu #Dog_Date #Earth #Eartheater #Esperanza_Spalding #Floating_Points #Laraaji #Marcus_Gilmore #New_Songs #New_Tracks #Ozzy_Osbourne #Remi_Wolf #sagun #Shabaka #Shannon_and_the_Clams #smerz #softcult #Steve_Stevens #Tanlines #tom_herbert #Travis #Varg2tm #Vientre #Warpaint #Wild_Pink

26 New Songs Out Today
https://www.brooklynvegan.com/26-new-songs-out-today-48/

#brooklynvegan_category_music #Music #AKTHESAVIOR #Andre_3000 #Bat_For_Lashes #billy_morrison #Blushing #Carlos_Nino #Dave_Okumu #Dog_Date #Earth #Eartheater #Esperanza_Spalding #Floating_Points #Laraaji #Marcus_Gilmore #New_Songs #New_Tracks #Ozzy_Osbourne #Remi_Wolf #sagun #Shabaka #Shannon_and_the_Clams #smerz #softcult #Steve_Stevens #Tanlines #tom_herbert #Travis #Varg2tm #Vientre #Warpaint #Wild_Pink

26 New Songs Out Today
https://www.brooklynvegan.com/26-new-songs-out-today-48/

#brooklynvegan_category_music #Music #AKTHESAVIOR #Andre_3000 #Bat_For_Lashes #billy_morrison #Blushing #Carlos_Nino #Dave_Okumu #Dog_Date #Earth #Eartheater #Esperanza_Spalding #Floating_Points #Laraaji #Marcus_Gilmore #New_Songs #New_Tracks #Ozzy_Osbourne #Remi_Wolf #sagun #Shabaka #Shannon_and_the_Clams #smerz #softcult #Steve_Stevens #Tanlines #tom_herbert #Travis #Varg2tm #Vientre #Warpaint #Wild_Pink

26 New Songs Out Today
https://www.brooklynvegan.com/26-new-songs-out-today-48/

#brooklynvegan_category_music #Music #AKTHESAVIOR #Andre_3000 #Bat_For_Lashes #billy_morrison #Blushing #Carlos_Nino #Dave_Okumu #Dog_Date #Earth #Eartheater #Esperanza_Spalding #Floating_Points #Laraaji #Marcus_Gilmore #New_Songs #New_Tracks #Ozzy_Osbourne #Remi_Wolf #sagun #Shabaka #Shannon_and_the_Clams #smerz #softcult #Steve_Stevens #Tanlines #tom_herbert #Travis #Varg2tm #Vientre #Warpaint #Wild_Pink

#FridayFiveAlbums

I took a pleasant header back into Imogen Heap's discography this week. What a freakin' musical genius. 💜

#Softcult #FrouFrou #Spiritbox #ImogenHeap #KCRae #AltRock #AlternativeRock #IndieRock #Dreamo #Shoegaze #IndiePop #Metal #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

I took a pleasant header back into Imogen Heap's discography this week. What a freakin' musical genius. 💜

#Softcult #FrouFrou #Spiritbox #ImogenHeap #KCRae #AltRock #AlternativeRock #IndieRock #Dreamo #Shoegaze #IndiePop #Metal #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

I took a pleasant header back into Imogen Heap's discography this week. What a freakin' musical genius. 💜

#Softcult #FrouFrou #Spiritbox #ImogenHeap #KCRae #AltRock #AlternativeRock #IndieRock #Dreamo #Shoegaze #IndiePop #Metal #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

I was sick this week, but when I wasn't actively miserable it sure was comforting to listen to the new Moon in June album!

#MoonInJune #Sphere #Fennel #Softcult #Culenasm #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #IndiePop #IndieRock #JRock #AltRock #AlternativeRock #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

I was sick this week, but when I wasn't actively miserable it sure was comforting to listen to the new Moon in June album!

#MoonInJune #Sphere #Fennel #Softcult #Culenasm #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #IndiePop #IndieRock #JRock #AltRock #AlternativeRock #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

I was sick this week, but when I wasn't actively miserable it sure was comforting to listen to the new Moon in June album!

#MoonInJune #Sphere #Fennel #Softcult #Culenasm #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #IndiePop #IndieRock #JRock #AltRock #AlternativeRock #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

The usual suspects. GUTS still kinda has its claws in me.

#HANABIE #PaleWaves #Softcult #OliviaRodrigo #SoccerMommy #Metal #Pop #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #Grunge #AlternativeRock #AltRock #IndiePop #IndieRock #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

The usual suspects. GUTS still kinda has its claws in me.

#HANABIE #PaleWaves #Softcult #OliviaRodrigo #SoccerMommy #Metal #Pop #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #Grunge #AlternativeRock #AltRock #IndiePop #IndieRock #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

The usual suspects. GUTS still kinda has its claws in me.

#HANABIE #PaleWaves #Softcult #OliviaRodrigo #SoccerMommy #Metal #Pop #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #Grunge #AlternativeRock #AltRock #IndiePop #IndieRock #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

I saw Unwed Sailor play this past week and have just been soaking in their albums, including this year's Mute The Charm. 💜

#Slowdive #Softcult #Bully #UnwedSailor #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #Grunge #AlternativeRock #AltRock #IndiePop #IndieRock #PostRock #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

I saw Unwed Sailor play this past week and have just been soaking in their albums, including this year's Mute The Charm. 💜

#Slowdive #Softcult #Bully #UnwedSailor #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #Grunge #AlternativeRock #AltRock #IndiePop #IndieRock #PostRock #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

I saw Unwed Sailor play this past week and have just been soaking in their albums, including this year's Mute The Charm. 💜

#Slowdive #Softcult #Bully #UnwedSailor #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #Grunge #AlternativeRock #AltRock #IndiePop #IndieRock #PostRock #Music #Topster

Damn, this rips.

#Softcult #Music #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #Grunge #AltRock #AlternativeRock

https://youtu.be/VoUN8JKs4OE?si=gRLt4tnNNan5aULB

Damn, this rips.

#Softcult #Music #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #Grunge #AltRock #AlternativeRock

https://youtu.be/VoUN8JKs4OE?si=gRLt4tnNNan5aULB

Damn, this rips.

#Softcult #Music #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #Grunge #AltRock #AlternativeRock

https://youtu.be/VoUN8JKs4OE?si=gRLt4tnNNan5aULB

#FridayFiveAlbums

I wasn't all that excited about the new Slowdive stuff based on the singles I was hearing, but hot damn does everything sound great as an album. 💜

#ShesGreen #Softcult #Sunshy #Slowdive #Superbloom #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #Grunge #AlternativeRock #AltRock #IndiePop #IndieRock #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

I wasn't all that excited about the new Slowdive stuff based on the singles I was hearing, but hot damn does everything sound great as an album. 💜

#ShesGreen #Softcult #Sunshy #Slowdive #Superbloom #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #Grunge #AlternativeRock #AltRock #IndiePop #IndieRock #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

I wasn't all that excited about the new Slowdive stuff based on the singles I was hearing, but hot damn does everything sound great as an album. 💜

#ShesGreen #Softcult #Sunshy #Slowdive #Superbloom #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #Grunge #AlternativeRock #AltRock #IndiePop #IndieRock #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

I wasn't all that excited about the new Slowdive stuff based on the singles I was hearing, but hot damn does everything sound great as an album. 💜

#ShesGreen #Softcult #Sunshy #Slowdive #Superbloom #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #Grunge #AlternativeRock #AltRock #IndiePop #IndieRock #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

I commuted to an office most of this week (I know, right? What year is this???) and worked in a conference room, so my listening was a bit thin this week. I did discover a great EP by a band called she's green, though. 🌿🎸💚

#ShesGreen #Glixen #PaleWaves #BLACKSHAPE #Softcult #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #AlternativeRock #AltRock #IndiePop #IndieRock #PostRock #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

I commuted to an office most of this week (I know, right? What year is this???) and worked in a conference room, so my listening was a bit thin this week. I did discover a great EP by a band called she's green, though. 🌿🎸💚

#ShesGreen #Glixen #PaleWaves #BLACKSHAPE #Softcult #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #AlternativeRock #AltRock #IndiePop #IndieRock #PostRock #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

I commuted to an office most of this week (I know, right? What year is this???) and worked in a conference room, so my listening was a bit thin this week. I did discover a great EP by a band called she's green, though. 🌿🎸💚

#ShesGreen #Glixen #PaleWaves #BLACKSHAPE #Softcult #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #AlternativeRock #AltRock #IndiePop #IndieRock #PostRock #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

🥰 Glixen 🥰

#Glixen #Softcult #SlowCrush #PaleWaves #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #AlternativeRock #AltRock #IndiePop #IndieRock #Music #Topster

#FridayFiveAlbums

🥰 Glixen 🥰

#Glixen #Softcult #SlowCrush #PaleWaves #Shoegaze #DreamPop #Dreamo #AlternativeRock #AltRock #IndiePop #IndieRock #Music #Topster