Soft Kill Members, Gear & Sound

Genre

Post-punk Gothic rock Deathrock Shoegaze darkwave cold wave

Members

Select a Soft Kill band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Owen Glendower
No gear added

See Gear
Nathan Howdeshell

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

The Gossip Heavy Seals Die Monitr Batss

No gear added

See Gear
Tobias Grave

Groups:

The Criminal World

No gear added

See Gear
Nicole Colbath

Roles:

Keyboardist

Groups:

The Criminal World

No gear added

See Gear
Danny Valadez

Groups:

Goes To Eleven

No gear added

See Gear
Conrad Vollmer

Groups:

The Fugue The Criminal World

No gear added

See Gear

About

Soft Kill is an American band hailing from Portland, Oregon, known for their evocative blend of post-punk, gothic rock, deathrock, shoegaze, darkwave, and cold wave. Formed in 2011, the group's core members include Tobias Grave (vocals, guitar) and Nicole Colbath (bass). Their music is characterized by its melancholic yet infectious energy, often exploring themes of addiction and loss. Albums like An Open Door, Choke, and Dead Kids, R.I.P. City showcase their ability to create emotionally resonant soundscapes that have captivated audiences and critics alike.

How to Sound Like Soft Kill

To approximate Soft Kill's sound, musicians should focus on creating a dark, atmospheric sonic character. This involves utilizing lush, reverb-drenched guitar tones paired with analog delay pedals to achieve a haunting, expansive feel. The guitars often employ chorus and flanger effects to add a shimmering, ethereal quality that complements the melancholic vocals. A solid, driving bass line underpins the compositions, while the drums maintain a steady, punchy rhythm that enhances the music's brooding intensity. Emphasizing ambient textures and dynamic contrasts is key to capturing the band's emotionally charged and immersive atmosphere.