Softcult took to the Bodega stage on their first ever UK tour...
This one was a bit of a blind taste test for me, and my fourth gig in a week. I decided not to look these two bands up much beforehand, but the few taglines I’d being given piqued my interest. So, it was a bit of a guess as to what to expect.
The Bodega was already busy early on, which is a good sign, though the audience needed coaxing to start with when Edinburgh band Swim School took to the stage. Having been to Nottingham before, they knew we could do better.
Perhaps with an Easter Monday night gig, the audience were a bit subdued, but after being prompted they did welcome the band on stage properly. Swim School were a force and seemed to really enjoy themselves.
Currently planning a new release though no timescale was given, I look forward to hearing more from this confident, aware and energetic band. They had an excellent night and sold out completely of T-shirts and posters at the merch table.
Then it was time for Softcult. Vocalist Mercedes told us she had dreamed all her life of being in a band and travelling the world, despite admitting to making lots of mistakes as everyone does. Here they were on their first UK tour, all the way from Canada and very excited about it all.
The world is in such turmoil and Softcult respond to this with songs full of passion and messages of solidarity and awareness. Songs determined to change the world for the better. “Look to yourself before you judge others” was good advice. We can all do this. Because of messages like these, tonight was such a positive experience.
Mercedes was passionate but also humble about what she believed in and encouraged others to follow her lead, either in the right to be able to walk without fear of attack, or the wrongs of capitalism. I can see why they have been compared to the Riot Grrrl movement of the 90s, the only sad thing is we are still having to fight for such justice. Musically, they were just as passionate as their political views.
Keep your ears and eyes open for both of these bands, support them and everything they believe in.
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