Isabel Pless confronts toxic patterns in new single ‘I Joined a Cult’
Isabel Pless continues her knack for turning deeply personal experiences into universally resonant storytelling with ‘I Joined a Cult,’ a standout track from her debut album Workhorse, out today.
Blending folk sensibilities with pop energy, ‘I Joined a Cult’ is both self-aware and melancholic. On it, Pless examines how easy it is to fall into patterns of unhealthy friendships and relationships, crafting lyrics that feel as confessional as they are wryly observant. The track’s instrumentation mirrors this emotional push and pull, shifting between lighthearted melodies and weightier moments of realization. Accompanying the release is the official music video, which playfully underscores the song’s themes—Pless, with a sense of childlike wonder, eagerly recruits more people into her metaphorical “cult,” reflecting the constant pursuit of connection, even when it’s misguided.
Reflecting on the song’s meaning, Pless shares:
“‘Workhorse’ is the debut album I’ve been dreaming about since I started writing songs in middle school and that makes me feel incredibly fulfilled. Creating these songs helped give me perspective on my life. I feel simultaneously nervous and hopeful that now this album will make its way into other people’s lives.”
With Workhorse, Pless showcases a striking ability to make the mundane feel monumental. ‘I Joined a Cult’ exemplifies this talent, transforming emotional turbulence into a compelling and relatable anthem.
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