søftbleach releases debut single “Fortress”

The arrival of søftbleach at the end of last year feels like the emergence of a band ready to claim their place in the indie alternative pop landscape. The trio, featuring vocalist Darla Jade, multi-instrumentalist and producer Dustin Dooley and drummer Jan Simson, have already begun to turn heads with their blend of nostalgic textures and modern aesthetic, propelled by a live energy that marks them as one of the city’s most exciting new prospects.

Though the band itself is new, its members bring their decorated backgrounds to the project; Dustin and Jan have over a decade of experience as seasoned musicians and producers, having developed their talents across genres and projects worldwide since 2012. Their professional journey saw them relocate their production base from Abbey Road Studios to their East London home just before the 2020 lockdown, where they’ve continued collaborating with a diverse array of artists. Their credits include names like Beth McCarthy, Tadhg Daly, Kara Marni, Izzy SO, Sam Walwyn and Selin Gecit, proof of a creative network that extends across both rising stars and revered acts.

At the front of søftbleach is Darla Jade, whose reputation as a solo artist precedes her, her distinctive voice and commanding stage presence have earned her coverage from Billboard, Notion and Wonderland, alongside extensive radio support. Her collaborative track record is equally impressive, having worked with electronic artists including Gorgon City, Alok, Kaskade, Blond:ISH and Francis Mercier while on the stage, she’s supported the likes of Ashnikko, Girli, Dizzee Rascal and Lucy Spraggan.

After introducing themselves with a debut headline show in December 2024 at The Artisan Tap in Stoke-on-Trent, they’ve been capturing their sound in the studio and working on material that’s set to form their upcoming EP Bad Habits. Bringing us the first taste of their sound they share their debut single titled “Fortress,” a downtempo alternative pop jam cut with warm, fuzzy guitars and a slow-burning charm.

The track’s heartfelt lyrics and immersive production channel a dreamy vibe where delicate melodies are carried by the mellow punch of steady rhythms. Opened by the swell of hazy texture, Darla’s alluring voice enters above intricate guitar flickers, pulsing bass notes and the crisp shuffle of drums, forming a mesmeric soundscape that’s blissfully melodic and wholly absorbing.

The single quickly found momentum, landing on Spotify editorial playlists Fresh Finds Pop and Fresh Finds, while also earning airplay from BBC Introducing while another track from the upcoming EP has already secured a sync on ITV’s Love Island before its official release. With major label interest brewing, a debut EP on the horizon and a growing reputation both on stage and in the studio, søftbleach are staking their claim as an essential new band on the rise and we can’t wait to see what they’ve got in store next.

Listen to Fortress below

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