Earlier this summer, we spent some very positive words on Californian shoegaze and alt-rock outfit Softer, celebrating their previous single ‘Beachball’ as “mirroring a constant contrast between misty, airy vocals and fast-paced, dynamic rock matter”. We stand by our words: Softer are quite comfortable with roaring, fast-paced and fuzzy rock matter and ethereal, reverb-soaked escapism. It’s a striking formula, one that has certainly caught our attention. ‘Fun Ways To Cope’ seals the deal.
The American group’s latest album, ‘Fun Ways To Cope’ unleashes a stream of vibrant, otherworldly goodness, embodying the band’s most advanced shape to date. They have certainly struck sonic gold, especially with Belinda Cai’s ethereal, lush vocals pulling listeners into an aural fever-dream, one that’s made poignant and sharp by the many electric guitars. Is it shoegaze? Sort of; influences are many, and Softer doesn’t appear to restrict themselves to absolute noise or extreme atmospheres, instead embracing a cool indie flair and more conventional song structures.
Written during the last few years, ‘Fun Ways To Cope’ takes a cue from Softer’s observant lyricism, as they deal with the highs and lows of life. As the group explains: “a heartfelt exploration of life’s emotional highs and lows; an album about struggle, growth, and finding optimism through the process of coping.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Fun Ways To Cope’ on Spotify:
