EP370 Soft Curse Interview Liminal Ritual, Live-to-Tape Recording & Heavy Atmosphere

Tom sits down with the members of Soft Curse—Jonny (vocals/guitar), Jef (bass), Michael "Mitch" (guitar), and Dan (drums)—to discuss their debut album Liminal Ritual, the band's origins following State Faults, and their unique blend of doom metal, post-rock, and atmospheric songwriting.

The band reflects on how lifelong friendships and years of playing together naturally led to the formation of Soft Curse, allowing them to explore slower tempos, massive riffs, clean vocals, and cinematic textures while moving beyond the screamo and post-hardcore foundation of their previous band.

The conversation explores the making of Liminal Ritual, including the decision to record the entire album live to two-inch analog tape in a single day. The band explains how the pressure of capturing complete performances created an organic energy that perfectly matched the emotional weight of the songs.

Additional topics include:

• The creation of Liminal Ritual
• Recording live to analog tape
• Vinyl collecting and rare pressings
• Favorite records and musical influences
• The transition from State Faults
• DIY artwork, music videos, and independence
• Spotify music discovery
• Spotlights and modern "doomgaze"
• Chelsea Wolfe, Pallbearer, Electric Wizard, Acid King, and Mars Red Sky
• Building Dan's custom drum kit
• Favorite songs from the album
• "Weight of the Sky" and its deeply personal inspiration
• Bringing melody and atmosphere into heavy music
• Touring opportunities and future East Coast shows

The band also shares stories behind several of the album's standout tracks, discussing the collaborative songwriting process, the emotional experiences that shaped the record, and why maintaining complete creative independence remains central to Soft Curse's identity. The result is a thoughtful conversation about friendship, artistic growth, and creating emotionally powerful heavy music without compromise.