Twin sisters Phoenix and Mercedes Arn-Horn have always had an affinity for the arts since childhood, along with a DIY attitude nurtured by VH1 punk documentaries that have served as a constant source of inspiration since the duo's beginnings when they made their own recordings and music videos. 'When A Flower Doesn't Grow' is the fourth in a discography that has seen them steadily rise beyond the local Ontario scene.
Since their 2022 debut, 'Year Of The Snake', they've released an album every year, but this one took them two years to complete, which might seem like a small detail but I think it reflects the new stage Softcult is entering, with a more polished and concise sound.
The album title is an exploration of the idea of changing an oppressive environment to reach your full potential, and how this notion can encompass a whole range of emotions. In the twins' words: "saying the hard and harsh things softly." And what better vehicle for that than the bite of grunge combined with the sensitivity of dream pop and the exuberant nature of shoegaze? Plus, all the inspiration and empowerment of the riot grrrl movement.
This is an album of dynamic shifts and contrasts. There are power ballads heavily infused with dream pop that break through walls of sound, like "I Held You Like Glass" and "When A Flower Doesn't Grow" which closes the disco track. There are also more punk-inspired moments, such as "Tired" and "She Said, He Said", which have pack more punch. Overall, this is a project that's easy to dissect but doesn't compromise its style or emotional power.