Softcult / Wayside

A Riot Beneath the Haze: Opening Night with Softcult and Wayside in Buffalo, NY

**Mercedes** ***Arn-Horn – Softcult – Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo, NY***

Canadian grunge gaze duo Softcult launched the first night of their tour with a captivating set at Buffalo Iron Works, the cozy, brick-lined venue tucked into the heart of Buffalo’s Cobblestone District, known for its welcoming vibe and excellent sound. The Friday night crowd was treated to an opening set by the Melbourne trio Wayside, whose emotional grit and melodic depth set the tone for the night.

***Wayside – Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo, NY***

Twin siblings Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn of Softcult took the stage in matching all black, channeling a riot grrrl meets shoegaze aesthetic that felt both raw and ethereal. Formed in 2020, the Toronto-based band has quickly carved a niche blending dreamy melodies with urgent, politically charged lyrics. From the headbanging intensity of “Pill to Swallow” to the hazy grit of “Drain,” their 14 song set was a masterclass in contrast. Phoenix’s drumming was nothing short of thunderous, while Mercedes’ vocals swung between tender and ferocious, reminiscent of Veruca Salt. They closed with the cathartic anthem “Spit It Out,” a defiant rejection of normalized oppression that left the crowd energized and introspective.

***Phoenix Arn-Horn –*** *Softcult – Buffalo Iron Works, Buffalo, NY*

Opening the night was Wayside, bringing a heavy dose of emotion and textured sound. Leaning into tracks from their 2023 release What Does Your Soul Look Like, they captivated the audience with standout songs like “Safe Forever,” wrapped in haunting harmonies. Vocalist Thomas Davenport shared that this was their first U.S. tour and first show of the tour, adding a heartfelt sincerity to their set. Their unexpected yet fitting cover of Deftones’ “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)” earned nods of approval from the crowd and underscored their range.

A dynamic and unforgettable start to the tour, both bands proved that vulnerability and volume can and should coexist.