The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2022 - Issue 32

aken from their forthcoming EP See You In The Dark, out on 24 March 2023 via East Life Records, twin sisters Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn from Softcult shared single 'Drain'. It's about climate change, especially the shameless greed of corporations and the government officials fuelling it. "It's disgusting how making a profit is a higher priority for those in power than a sustainable environment," Mercedes said. “Seeing hollow shows of performative ‘action’ for these world leaders and multi-million dollar companies that don’t offer any solutions add to my frustration because it feels like we’re being manipulated and lied to in the most disgustingly condescend- ing way.” The music video directed, produced and edited by Mercedes sees the duo harmonising on the hook, capturing the intense reality their generation faces: a dying planet and capital- ist gluttony run ‘amuck’. “There are people out there who could end world hunger right now in exchange for 10% less of their billions,” she added. “There are legislations that could reverse climate change in time to save this dying planet and spare future generations a horrific existence. But these bloated f**king dragons would rather die hoarding more wealth than they could ever spend in a lifetime than part with a little to help save the world. To think these billionaires give a shit about us or our quality of life is just naive. So because of the one percent’s greed, their legacy will be our eventual extinction.” The album title See You In The Dark is inspired by Friedrich Nietzsche’s famous quote: “Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster, and if you gaze into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you.” Mercedes sees it as an analogy for the things we’re afraid to face. “It represents confronting our innermost fears, usually in those vulnerable moments lying awake at night when our minds are racing. It's an acknowledgement of our darkness and the darkness of others, like, hey, I see you," she said. “While it’s important to acknowledge our darkness, we also can’t submit to it. We must strive to be better people and leave behind a legacy of positive change. I think it’s important to do everything we can to try and make a positive impact on the world, even when that feels impossible. Because if we don’t at least try, who will?” Through their seamlessly combined grunge, shoegaze, dream pop and punk genre, the Canadian duo have quickly become leaders of a new Riot Grrrl movement for the digital age. Phoenix runs production, engineering and artwork, while Mercedes directs and edits their videos; both write intimate lyrics about self-empowerment amidst social, political and envi- ronmental collapse. The duo create and produce their zine called SCripture, currently on Vol. 20. They are active participants in their Softcult Discord server, a safe online community for their fans, as recently spotlighted by Alternative Press. Over the last two years, Softcult has released several EPs, gar- nering acclaim and buzz in Canada and globally. They’ve been championed by artists like Hayley Williams and Old Sykes and have been highlighted as a band to watch by Alternative Press, Kerang!, Gay Times, DIY, The Line of Best Fit, and more. www.softcult.band Softcult - Drain Image courtesy of Pearl Cook via Prescription PR