Album Review: Softcult – When a Flower Doesn’t Grow (Easy Life Records)

On their new album ‘When a Flower Doesn’t Grow’, Softcult (Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn) deliver their most unflinching and transformative work to date. Written during a period of personal upheaval and self-discovery, the record charts a journey through trauma, disillusionment, empowerment and eventual liberation. It is out January 30th, 2026, via Easy Life Records.

Following a touching Intro, Softcult start their new album off in soft, shoegazy fashion. Featuring restrained passion, it immediately shows off some of the transformative aspects of their sound in an exciting way. Not just because it has impressive melody, vibrant rock tones, and a certain level of theatre, but because it comes with such a strong message that is delivered with care. The instruments have power, but it’s the dreamy vocal style that really gets under the skin. A common theme throughout, and easily one of the most memorable aspects of the album.

Especially if you are willing to open your mind to the experimental catchiness, depth, and potency of the likes of Naïve, 16/25, and She Said, He Said. Alternative, but not quite like any other alternative sounds either as Softcult are quite adept at being strange too. A haze of haunting melody, grungy groove, energised rock vibes, and so much feeling. By the halfway point of the record, it will have most well and truly addicted to it, especially if you listen to the lyrics. One of the most formidable aspects of the record.

The dichotomy between raw punk-infused heart racing chaos and calming dreariness that is tinged with gaze makes Hurt Me one of the most special sounding tracks on the album, personally. However, the serene beauty of the following I Held You Like Glass comes mighty close too. I love the melody of this one, and how it powers up impressively near the end, and once again, the vocals are glorious.

After a such a strong series of tracks, Queen of Nothing’s restrained approach isn’t as initially appealing, even though it is a grower. It is a track that feels unmistakably them too, and while it’s far from my favourite on the album, it’s still a very good listen. Then there is Tried! and Not Sorry. With the former being one of the most energised tracks on the album and featuring some awesome vitriol in the vocals, and the latter being alternatively tinged and likable enough.

A genuinely brilliant album, it’s disappointing to see it end, but all good things must and Softcult go out with a bang here. Delivering the title track and a finale that is up there as one of the most emotionally affecting efforts of all. Beautifully morose, Softcult have expanded their musical palette across the record, but it is the refinement of their expressive ways that makes this album so special.

Softcult – When a Flower Doesn’t Grow Track Listing:

1. Intro
2. Pill to Swallow
3. Naïve
4. 16/25
5. She Said, He Said
6. Hurt Me
7. I Held You Like Glass
8. Queen Of Nothing
9. Tired!
10. Not Sorry
11. When A Flower Doesn’t Grow

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