SOFT RIOT

The early '80s DIY synth spirit comes alive with the work of SOFT RIOT, who is back with a fresh full-length offering, 'CRUX.' Dive into his ever-evolving take on synthesizer post-punk, taking in elements of darkwave, new wave, post-punk, Italo, and EBM.

RIYL : Bill Nelson, Fad Gadget, John Foxx, early Human League, early Simple Minds

Crux is the latest, forthcoming album to be released on 15 May 2026 by Glasgow-based, British-Canadian synth auteur Soft Riot, who over the past fifteen years has toured Europe regularly and has released dozens of releases which feature his unique and ever-evolving take on synthesizer post-punk, taking in elements of darkwave, new wave, post-punk, Italo and EBM with a sound that brings to mind artists such as Fad Gadget, Prince, early Simple Minds, Skinny Puppy, Bill Nelson as well as the current wave of underground bands working in this overall genre.

Overall, the songs on Crux are given space to cruise more, and dip into more minimalism than previous albums — an aspect of the music the artist had struggled with in the past but was crafted into place after years of experience. The whole album works out a strategic balance of space, rhythm, sound design, subtle humor, lyrical interplay, mild psychedelia, and an enhancement of the aspects of the music that make Soft Riot unique within the current underground synth scene.

Soft Riot has toured Europe numerous times over the years, with stages shared with such peers as Absolute Body Control, Front 242, Parade Ground, She Past Away, Test Department, Selofan, Section 25 (Factory Records), Ausgang, Linea Aspera, Kontravoid, Buzz Kull, Drab Majesty, Uncanny Valley, Lebanon Hanover, Qual, Noi Kabát, Robert Görl of Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft and many more, as well as appearances at a number of essential festivals in scene including Gothic Pogo (DE), Ombra Festival (ES), BIM Fest (BE), Waveteef (BE), Synth Frequency (FR), Verboden (CA), Kalabalik På Tyrolen (SE) and Weird Science (DE).

A follow-up extended EP called Alter — set for release on 29 June 2026 — will contain exclusive, alternate and extended versions of tracks relating to Crux. Streaming audio, expanded information, press images, video, press links and a full length filmed interview with the artist about the album can be found at softriot.com/preview/crux/

PRESS QUOTES :

“There is just something about Soft Riot. Canadian musical refugee and one-man band Jack Duckworth has developed a style that is part John Foxx, part early Human League, but all twisted with a dissonance that moves it in Ballardian directions. Disquieting and melodic all at the same time, it is impossible to pin down just what it is that makes Soft Riot sound like Soft Riot. As I said, there is just something about Soft Riot. And having something (anything!) is a precious commodity these days.” - Outsider Left on “Crux”

“Jack Duckworth, the man behind Soft Riot, creates sci-fi stories through psychedelic electro wonder work, that for some might take a few listens to comprehend, but nevertheless the album embodies a bizarre inner beauty. Insofar as a musical piece, after the tenth listen you discover a still groundbreaking and innovative sound structure.” - Sonic Seducer Magazine (DE)

“...intricately weaves in strains of synthpop, Italo disco, and EBM, all while maintaining an indie flair that harks back to his earlier immersion in the 1990s North American underground hardcore/punk scene. This eclectic mix underscores his unorthodox approach, blending influences from various stages of his musical journey and showcasing his flexibility as an artist, all the while staying true to his unique sonic aesthetics.” - Post-punk.com on “No.”

“Canadian-British synth artist Soft Riot is on his tenth album to date. Can you believe that? Seems like just yesterday I discovered JJD’s music, and the next thing, there’s a full catalog awaiting. I mean, this doesn’t include his work in other acts such as Radio Berlin and A Luna Red, but that’s beside the point. The man’s a music machine turning out his lovingly crafted babies left and right to bless the world.” - Brutal Resonance on “No.”