Softcult “Not Sorry” Review: A Defiant Anthem for Radical Self-Preservation

Softcult’s “Not Sorry” is the Unapologetic Anthem We Needed This Year

If you’ve been following the Canadian sibling duo Softcult, you know they don’t just release songs; they release manifestos. Their latest single, “Not Sorry,” is a massive, fuzzy standout from their debut album When A Flower Doesn’t Grow, and it’s arguably the most “them” song they’ve ever made.

Choosing Peace Over Explanations

We’ve all been there: trapped in an exhausting argument with someone who clearly isn’t listening, or feeling the pressure to apologize just for taking up space.

“Not Sorry” is Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn’s response to that fatigue. Mercedes has been vocal about how this track is a reaction to the “weaponized ignorance” and hate speech that clutters our feeds. The message is simple but heavy: You don’t owe anyone an education at the expense of your own mental health. It’s about that moment you stop trying to fix everyone else’s perspective and just decide to protect your own energy instead.

The Sound: Hazy, Loud, and Perfect

Musically, the track hits that “riotgaze” sweet spot Softcult has spent years perfecting. It’s got those 90s-style grunge guitars that make you want to drive a little too fast, but it’s layered under these dream-pop vocals that keep things feeling ethereal.

• The Build: It starts with a jangling, hypnotic riff that slowly snowballs into a wall of fuzz.

• The Vibe: It feels like a mix of Slowdive and The Breeders—it’s pretty, but it has teeth.

• The Hook: The “I’m not sorry” refrain in the bridge isn’t just a lyric; it’s a mantra. By the third time you hear it, you’re saying it with them.

Why It Matters Right Now

In an era where “outrage culture” is basically a full-time job, “Not Sorry” feels like a release valve. It’s the centerpiece of their new album, When A Flower Doesn’t Grow, which focuses on fixing the “environment” around us rather than trying to change ourselves to fit in.

Softcult continues to prove that you can be deeply political and deeply melodic at the same time. They aren’t just making music for the sake of it; they’re building a community for everyone who’s tired of being told to “pipe down.”

Bottom line: If you’re feeling burnt out by the world’s expectations, put on some headphones and let this track do the heavy lifting for a few minutes.