Super Neutral by Soft No

Following a strong debut EP, Philadelphia’s Soft No took a different approach when writing its followup. The band leaned into a more collaborative process and pushed its sound in a faster, more urgent direction, resulting in Super Neutral, a five-track release that marks a clear evolution from its earlier work.

Released via Abandon Everything Records, the EP blends driving alt-rock, punk energy, post hardcore intensity, post punk rhythms, and melodic emo influences, all tied together with atmospheric synth textures. Lead single Oxford St. offers a first glimpse of that expanded sound.

Despite its title, inspired by the idea of keeping things civil during politically tense family gatherings, Super Neutral is anything but restrained. It’s a bold, emotionally charged record that finds Soft No moving beyond its shoegaze roots and embracing a broader, more dynamic identity.

“If you listen to our last EP, which I love, it featured some of the first songs I wrote on guitar. The way it came out sounding wasn’t intentional,” guitarist Scott Signorino reveals. The resulting self-titled EP’s shoegaze sensibility was epitomized by shimmery reverb, delay, and gauzy effect that were more of a reflection of Signorino finding his way on the instrument than any allegiance to a genre. He continues: “Since then, we toured, got to know each other better, and, to me, became influenced by the bands we played with.”

“We did our due diligence to not overly critique these songs. We tapped into everyone’s tastes, and let the music come out naturally,” says lead guitarist and co-lead vocalist Austin Lotz. “Everybody is more present on this EP,” affirms Signorino.

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Soft No