It was a night to remember at King Tut’s, where the Canadian twin siblings returned to Glasgow after an impressive start to 2024 in what has been a whirlwind year for the band.
They’ve toured across North America and Australia, spreading their signature blend of spacey, ethereal alt-rock and shoegaze-inspired sounds to a wider audience. They’ve also earned a well-deserved nod for Alternative Album of the Year at Canada’s prestigious Juno Awards, following the release of their highly anticipated new EP, Heaven, back in May.
Now, Softcult was back on UK soil, ready to share their latest tracks and musical evolution with a packed-out King Tut’s. As they took to the stage, the atmosphere was magnetic from the first note. The crowd immediately fell under the spell of their otherworldly sound—a mix of lush textures, distorted guitars, and ethereal vocals that filled the space with an intoxicating energy.
The night kicked off with one of the standout tracks from Heaven, “Spit It Out.” The infectious hook had fans singing along, their voices rising louder than lead singer Mercedes’ resonant vocals. The track’s fuzzy, distorted guitars delivered a classic alt-rock punch that the band is known for, and it’s clear this is already a firm favourite with the fans. The energy in the room was palpable as the crowd fed off every beat, caught up in the raw power of the song.
Next came “Take It Off,” a track that begins with simplistic strumming but quickly spirals into something much more intricate. The guitars exploded into complex, distorted rhythms, while layered, ethereal vocal effects transported the audience to a space where Softcult’s world envelops them. It was a moment of immersion—a journey into the deeper, more atmospheric side of their music.
Then came the experimental “Heaven,” a title track from their latest EP. With its intense, compressed, and layered vocals, it’s one of the band’s most unique tracks yet. The experimental nature of the song adding an avant-garde edge to the performance, drawing the audience in and leaving them captivated by its intensity. Despite its raw, unpolished elements, it fits seamlessly into their oeuvre, showcasing just how far their sound has evolved.
As Mercedes and Phoenix moved through their set, their dynamic stage presence and high-energy performance revealed why the band has already reached such impressive heights in a short amount of time. They weren’t just playing music—they were crafting an experience. Their authenticity shone through with every note, every song, as they invited the audience to step into their world.
By the end of the night, it was evident that Softcult has mastered the art of balancing energy, authenticity, and creativity. Their blend of alt-rock and shoegaze continues to captivate audiences, and their performance at King Tut’s was a perfect reflection of their growing success.
It’s reassuring to see that Softcult shows no signs of slowing down. Long may it continue.
Words and pictures: Rose McEnroe @rosemcenroephoto