On January 30th, the Kitchener rock band Softcult held an album release party for their new album When Flowers Don’t Grow at The Drake Underground in Toronto. Released the same day, the intimate concert was a celebration of their debut album and of the community that brought them to this moment.

I’ve mentioned in previous posts about their album release, and I can’t believe it came and went! Having never been to an album release concert before, I was not familiar with every song off the first listen while I was at the show.

Even though I had ample time to listen to the unreleased songs ahead of time, I thought it would be fun to hear them performed live by the band for the first time. I felt that was the right decision for me, and it made the show even more exciting. Overall, the Softcult concert was a chill but rockin’ fun time. In this post, I will tell you about my experience at the Softcult album release party.

The show opened with a drag performance from Miss Conduct. I arrived a bit late, so I missed a bit of the set but from what I did see: SO FUN. Miss Conduct is a self-proclaimed Devilish Demon Queen and the style/music choices aligned perfectly with Softcult. I know the next time I’m looking for drag show in Kitchener, I’ll be looking for a Miss Conduct show.

When the band got on stage, there were clips, voiceovers and images from important historical moments. Looking back at it now, these images clearly set the tone for what kind of show the audience is in for. Each member came out one by one, eventually opening with Drain.

Politics is at the heart of what Softcult does with their music. Transitioning into Tired, Mercedes speaks passionately into the microphone, “FUCK ICE! FUCK TRUMP! FUCK IMPERIALISM!” to much applause. Considering how polarizing it is for public figures to take a stand on anything, I commend Softcult for having the gumption to stay true to who they are.

Tired was one of the songs I was not familiar with before the show. Experiencing it for the first time at the show felt like hearing a perfect anthem for the time we are in. It was relieving. But I also felt the frustration that the song inspires from the listener.

A haunting childlike voice transitions to the next song by asking, “Excuse me, who are you?” The band begins playing Perfect Blue. Knowing that the song is about feeling like you are performing for a partner and losing yourself in a relationship, it felt like a perfect bridge into the song.

Though much of the show was dedicated to playing new songs, it was so much fun to hear songs from their earlier EPs. Perfect Blue is one of my personal favourites, as the theme of the song feels so brutal in its honesty.

Something I took away from this show was just how amazing the shoegazey aspects of their music translates to a live show. At one point you’re feeling so ambient – almost like you’re at Cocteau Twins show – and then the fast paced drumming makes you want to head-bang.

Both elements complement each other to create what really can only be described as riotgaze. This is how the band describes their music, and man, I really could not agree more especially after experiencing it an ambient atmosphere.

And it would not be a rock show without some kick ass solos. Below, I’ve attached a brief clip to show just what I mean. When you see the band have fun, it makes me have extra fun too. Gosh, I wish I became a drummer.

The band exits the stage for a break and Mercedes comes back alone to play another song. Before playing When A Flower Doesn’t Grow, Mercedes provides the audience with context for what inspired the song. She talks about how the song was written when she was coming to terms with her queerness.

Mercedes also says, “The song is an allegory for societies who repress and hold their people back. We can’t thrive in environments that are repressive. I believe it is a human right to become who you are meant to be.”

Just her and a guitar, she begins playing a truly intimate song.

The show ends with Part of the Pack. Mercedes lets us know that there is a special guest who will be joining them for the performance, and it is no other than the iconic Miss Conduct. It felt so right to end the show with Miss Conduct on stage, as it was a callback to the music video that featured her in it.

I really can’t express how much fun it was to have a drag performance as part of the show I was at. I wish all concerts had a drag show.

I would be remiss if I did not mention a couple of pivotal things about the show. When I got to the bar, I noticed they had a specialty drink featuring violet and two other elements I cannot seem to remember. I’m not sure if it was the bar’s choice or the bands, but I thought it was a nice touch.

Another really cool experience that the band put on was a zine exchange table. Fans could exchange zines with the band or create their own zine with materials provided at the table.

I took the opportunity to participate because I had never seen something like that at a show before. It felt very encompassing to Softcult’s mission of being eco-friendly and seemed like a fantastic way to get their community involved.

For my contribution, I cut up a photo of two women at the beach. I glued them onto an image of a blooming flower, with one woman on either side of the flower. I thought it looked cool, like two lovers longing for one another but can’t be together. It felt like a cosmic connection, an undeniably intertwined story.

Also at the zine table, they handed out plantable cards that grow wildflowers once planted. I’ve written about Softcult’s mission to make their merch as eco-friendly as possible. It was such an awesome thing to experience for myself!

I got a chance to speak with Phoenix Arn-Horn, Softcult’s drummer and vocalist, briefly after the show. They were an absolute delight! Inspired by my experience at the zine table, I asked Phoenix about the role of community in their music,

I was worried that the zine table would be a flop but it seems like people have enjoyed it! Community is a big part of us and what we do. We would not be able to come back and do shows without our community.

With efforts like zine tables, local drag performers and specialty drinks, it felt like I was apart of a small community. One that was proud of their local band releasing their debut record.

Getting to see Softcult live for the first time, and for what was their first-ever album release show, I felt so electric about being there. The elements of what makes them Softcult, their values and their politics, really took front stage and was present at their merch table and zine table. I hope they always stick true to their beliefs. The entire experience was undeniably special.

Have you ever been to a Softcult show? Or, have you been to an album release concert before? Let me know in the comments below.

You can listen to Softcult’s debut record below!