By photojournalist Dan Fernandez
This past weekend at the Crowbar in Tampa, Florida, a convergence of indie, shoegaze and punk took hold, showcasing the talents of two rising bands: She’s Green and Soft Cult. The two groups delivered a very different experience, both being impressive in their own right.
Kicking off the evening was the Minneapolis-based indie rock band She’s Green. Formed in 2022 and recently signed with NYC’s Photo Finish Records, this quintet—comprised of the tranquil voiced Zofia Smith on vocals, Liam Armstrong and Raines Lucas on guitar, Teddy Nordvold on bass, and Kevin Seeback on drums—brought a fresh, melodic ethos to the stage. Their 2023 EP, “Wisteria,” along with a mix of singles, exemplified their dreamy sound scape which would fit right in with the Saddle Creek Records scene of the early 2000s that solidified the middle America indie movement. The band set the stage with their mellow tunes, thoughtful lyrics and Zofia’s emotion filled, soothing voice combining to serve as a hypnotic elixir.
Next up to bat was the energetic group Soft Cult. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, this band combines the rawness of Grunge and Punk with the ethereal qualities of Shoegaze. Known for their compelling lyrics and passionate delivery, Soft Cult draws on the Riot Grrrl movement that made waves in the Pacific Northwest during the early 1990s. Their music boldly addresses social issues such as abuse, harassment, and gender norms, encapsulating the spirit of punk rock’s prime years (once again let me say PUNK”S NOT DEAD! LONG LIVE PUNK!) The enthusiasm of the crowd was palpable as they sang along to anthems like “Drain,” “Pillow to Swallow,” and “Perfect Blue.”
Soft Cult prides themselves on connecting with their fans on the most accessible of levels, illustrated when vocalist Mercedes Arn-Horn acknowledged a devoted fan who had crafted a custom pick guard adorned with clippings from their monthly publication, Scripture Zine. This connection between the band and their audience was evident throughout the performance and culminated in a two-song encore that absolutely ignited the venue.
As the show ended it was apparent that both She’s Green and Soft Cult left an indelible mark on the night’s attendees. I would highly recommend that you keep an eye out for these young bands on their journeys as they navigate the scene. If this evening was any indication the future is bright for these dynamic groups.
