With spectres of post-punk reverb cascading over intuitively calculated basslines, Soft Serve sets an ominous tone before The Radiant’s pensive yet unrelenting vocals carve through the layers of brooding instrumentation. As the tension tightens, her voice becomes the breaking point, building in momentum until vibrato-soaked powerhouse lines shatter the stasis, injecting a visceral intensity into the psyche-piercing production. It’s a track that doesn’t just brood—it aches, unflinchingly tearing through themes of desire and the perpetual frustration of a world that never quite satisfies.
The Saskatchewan-based outfit have made a name for themselves by distilling progressive melancholy pop into a sound sharpened by a heavy alternative rock edge. Since their 2019 debut EP, they’ve racked up an impressive set of accolades, including a nomination for Rock Artist of the Year from BreakOut West WCMA and being named Alternative Artist of the Year by North Sask Music Zine in 2022. They’ve shared the stage with MONOWHALES, Badflower, Chastity, and Ocean Alley, proving their presence isn’t just felt on record—it’s an undeniable force live.
With Soft Serve, The Radiant refuse to settle into the comfortable or formulaic. Instead, they push deeper into their emotionally charged alt-rock territory, ensuring their music lingers in the bones.
Soft Serve is out now on all major streaming platforms including Spotify.
Review by Amelia Vandergast