Softcult target predators on “16/25”

For my money, Canadian group Softcult are the best rock band in the world at the moment. Their new single “16/25” is a buzzsaw from beginning to end – a searing song about men who victimize underage girls (a topic magnified by the furore around the Jeffrey Epstein files).

Softcult are fronted by sisters Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn, who also have a knack for writing Brian Wilson-esque classics like 2023’s “Love Song”, arguably the best Beach Boys song of all time not written by the Beach Boys.

“16/25” is the first single from Softcult’s upcoming debut album When A Flower Doesn’t Grow, slated for release next January. “The song points out the cognitive dissonance men perpetuate while trying to possess and control younger women,” says Mercedes.

Softcult kick off a 20-city North American tour soon, followed by a jaunt through the UK and Europe starting in November. Catch them in clubs while you can because they’ll be playing arenas soon.

Watch the video for “16/25” below, or find the song on the streaming services.