Let the Sounds of Softcult Turn You Into a Mall Goth

Softcult, “Queen of Nothing”

Producer: Phoenix Arn-Horn

Softcult describes their music as “for mall goths” on their Tidal artist page, and “Queen of Nothing” fully commits to the bit. The new single drifts on the Cocteau Twins-inspired textures, weaving hazy strings with soft, chiming guitar riffs. Their ghostly vocals add a subtle sense of unease, making the track feel dreamy, dark, and just a little spooky. 

Black Party + Fana Hues, “Cowboy/Cowgirl”

Producer: Malik Flint + Mtech + Rumeal Eggleston

Black Party’s Last Call, the deluxe edition of The Last Dance, arrives with a fresh batch of remixes, and the clear standout is “Cowboy/Cowgirl,” featuring Fana Hues. Hues’ soft and honeyed vocals float over the track in a way that perfectly complements Party’s laid-back delivery, adding a glow to an already breezy groove.  

Salimata, “Let’s Talk About It”

Producer: Corey Fonville

More rappers should be having fun on up-tempo beats. And Salimata’s “Let’s Talk About It” makes a strong case for why in just over two minutes. Bouncing effortlessly over a concoction of claps, drums, and bass with a subtle jazz touch, she never takes herself too serious. The song is a nice teaser for more of the  playful confidence she brings across her new album, The Happening.  

b4u, “I Got a Lot On My Plate” 

Producer: b4u + Chawa + Govi

We’re probably about to hear a lot more from b4u in the new year. The British producer and artist put his stamp on Drake and Central Cee’s “Which One” this summer, and it wouldn’t be surprising if that connection carries over to Drake’s forthcoming album, Iceman. On his new project, Never Enough, b4u taps into familiar Drake DNA, especially on “I Got a Lot on My Plate,” a moody tune built around a slick beat switch and hazy, barely there female vocals that feel unmistakably Drake. 

Henry Verus, “Like You Did”

Producer: Brian Lee + Blanda

Henry Verus sinks fully into melancholy mediation on “Like You Did.” The track is a slow burn and an introspective one, with production that gives his voice room to stretch and fracture. The vocal manipulation throughout adds layers of sorrow and tension, giving the song so much emotional weight. 

Hercules and Love Affair, “Crossed Lines”

Producer: Andrew Butler + Quinn Whaley

Few songs feel as tailor-made for a romantic comedy moment from the early 2000s as Hercules and Love Affair’s “Crossed Lines,” from their new Someone Else Is Calling EP. The song is crying-in-the-club music at its finest, balancing tenderness and movement. The production occasionally blurs and warps, as if the track was recorded underwater, only adding to how emotional it gets.

Eddie Benjamin, “Kiss Me”

Producer: Alex Salibian

Eddie Benjamin spent the year contributing to Justin Bieber’s Swag era and now ends it in the spotlight with “Kiss Me.” Built for pop radio, the song sits comfortably between John Mayer-style angst and Maroon 5-level polish. It’s a straightforward plea for human connection, and Eddie’s delivery makes it easy to believe.

FLO, “Say Less”

Producer: Relyt + Joe Gosling + MNEK

FLO dropped four new tracks this weekend as part of the update to their deluxe album, Access All Areas: Unlocked, and the girls are very much still in their bag. While “Say Less” has technically been floating around for a minute, its official release earns it a spot here. It’s the kind of song that lets every member shine without anyone getting lost in the mix.

Jaz Karis + 3ee + Joyce Wrice, “Is It Alright?”

Jaz Karis, 3ee, and Joyce Wrice tap into early-2000s R&B nostalgia on “Is It Alright?” without feeling overly referential. The production is smooth and bouncy, but the writing keeps it grounded in the now, centering on the quiet frustrations that come with relationships. Over silky vocals, the trio pose a simple, relatable question about having to put up with your partner’s annoying habits: Wouldn’t it be fair to dish a little of that energy back? It’s a playful, self-aware song that understands love is also about navigating the small, petty moments, too.

J Hus + Seyi Vibez, “Richer”

Producer: TSB + Shae Jacobs

J Hus is living the high life on new song “Richer.” The track moves between genres, pulling from Afrobeats, rap, and a bit of pop influence without ever sounding scattered. That fluidity mirrors Hus’s perspective on the record: confident, worldly, and a bit flashy. Lyrically, he reflects on success with self-assurance and digging into what growth, money, and freedom actually mean after you’ve earned them. It’s a nice ending to the EP he released this weekend.