Winter has definitely made an appearance here in Bristol, and it was very much felt on Sunday while waiting in what seemed like an endless queue of people outside the cosy venue in the heart of the city, The Lanes.
We were all here, of course, to hear and see the Canadian duo consisting of twin siblings Phoenix and Mercedes Arn-Horn, who make up the mighty shoegaze/dream-pop/grunge outfit Softcult.
The duo were not alone on this tour, either. They were joined by touring members Brent McSwiggan on guitar and Phil Hirst on bass, both of whom brought the songs from the band’s EPs and singles to life.
I have to mention the diversity I saw in the audience that night. Not only did the show seem very balanced in terms of gender, but the age range was also impressive, with people ranging from 18 years old to well into their 60s. I even spoke to an older gentleman who told me he had followed the band up and down the UK on their tour.
The band took the stage at 9:30 p.m. on the dot. With a shared smile between the siblings and a quick thumbs-up, they broke into a small intro jam before seamlessly drifting into the first song of the night: the dreamy, ethereal, and reverb-drenched “Haunt You Still.” This was followed by “Gloomy Girl” and then the crowd favorite “Take It Off.”
Several songs into the set, lead vocalist Mercedes took a moment to speak about the worsening injustices and abuse that many minorities and women face in an increasingly misogynistic world. She then discussed the song “BWBB” (Boys Will Be Boys), explaining that it was written in response to the horrific Sarah Everard murder case. The song was dedicated to Sarah, and the crowd responded with a huge round of applause.
I also have to mention the incredible job touring guitarist Brent McSwiggan did in recreating some of the more unusual sounds from the recorded versions of the songs. I was in awe watching him noodle around the fretboard while occasionally tap-dancing on his pedalboard.
The band continued to plough through their mammoth 14-song set with tracks like “Perfect Blue,” “Drain,” and “Heaven.” They even took a moment to share that they would not be releasing another EP for a while, as they are currently working on their debut full-length album. The band finished with one final crowd-pleaser that got everyone in the packed venue moving: Uzumaki, complete with the spoken word section from their Audiotree session, which is available on YouTube and music streaming platforms.
What made this performance so special, in my opinion, was not just the incredible energy the band exuded, or the stunning harmonies between the two siblings, or even the wonderfully written songs. It was how the band took heavy subject matter and set it to such catchy, dream-pop tunes that are so easy to listen to. The combination of those meaningful lyrics with the beautiful melodies is pure perfection.
This is a small band with a huge sound and an even bigger message.
I am a self taught Photographer and an aspiring reviewer.
I have been in and out of bands for the past 15 years and some, so thought it only makes sense to stay in the scene that has been the most important aspect of my life since I can remember, live music.
Available for:
I am available for small gigs, larger concerts, recording sessions and festivals.
First attended gig:
The first proper gig that went to that I can actually remember was Muse supported by a then lesser known Elbow and I think the main reason I remember that is because it was the first big concert that I was allowed to go to with just my friends. Obviously Muse were fantastic by the way.
First gig shot:
Im pretty sure the first gig I shot was for a friends band at a local social club with some sort of £30 Argos camera. You can only imagine the fantastic quality of the shots.
Dream gig:
My dream gig to shoot would most definitely be either Tool, not just because they are amazing but their stage and lighting is magnificent. Or I would love to shoot another one of my favourite bands which is Explosions In The Sky and that’s just because they are incredible.
