by Scott Roos
live photos by Melanie Macpherson
Our Grade: A
The Radiant’s latest single, “Soft Serve,” released on February 17th, 2025, delivers a progressive melancholy punch with a heavy alternative rock edge. Building on their already established versatility, the band blends atmospheric soundscapes with dynamic intensity, making for an engaging and complex listening experience.
From the start, “Soft Serve” captivates with a slow, atmospheric buildup. Mikhaila Anderson’s vocals remain as engaging as ever, effortlessly slipping into a raw, Morrison-esque howl that channels a vibe reminiscent of bands like Tool and Puscifer. As the song progresses, Anderson adds an unexpected twist, transitioning into a playful, almost childlike higher vocal timbre midway through the track, providing a fresh layer to their already expansive sound.
The song takes multiple twists and turns, shifting from quiet, atmospheric sections to intense, chugging guitar riffs and pounding bass drums. At the 3:40 mark, the track returns to its atmospheric roots before building once again to a more intense, stadium-ready, expansive sound. Anderson’s vocals oscillate from wailing intensity to a playful high register, capturing a wide emotional range that elevates the track’s impact. The combination of industrial and nu-metal as well as progressive influences in the keys, bass, and drums enhances the track’s richness and depth, while the singalong-worthy chorus ensures it’s primed for live performances.
Clocking in at over six minutes, “Soft Serve” encapsulates everything that makes The Radiant a standout band: poetic lyrics, a range of vocal and instrumental styles, and highly professional production quality. Unfortunately, it also comes dangerously close to "been there and done that" for the Bridge City quintet as it's not exactly unfamiliar territory for them musically. That being said, Anderson’s powerhouse vocals backed by the stellar musicianship of Paul Hillacre on guitar, Evan Knause on bass, Mike Reese on keys, and Jordan Ahmed on drums have created a sound that’s both intricate, anthemic and highly enjoyable. The track’s twists and turns make it a defining statement of the band’s evolution—could this be their “Bohemian Rhapsody” or “Stairway to Heaven”? It’s clear that The Radiant is raising the bar once again and NSMZ is happy to be along for the ride.
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