By Ashleigh Taylor
Is punk dead? Hundreds ram into the 02 Academy Liverpool to figure it out, as punk rock band Soft Play crash onto stage to scream the question repeatedly, and to prove the answer. Previously known as Slaves, the duo Isaac and Laurie grace metalheads with their unpalpable energy, somewhat thoughtful lyrics and testosterone-fuelled hostility. The male dominated crowd chant and roar minute after minute impatiently waiting, ready to be hit with the long-awaited Academy tour, and to say expectations were met would be an understatement. The energy of the fans is unpalpable – quite a shock due to the inhumane lack of air conditioning in the venue. Immediately stepping into the venue you’re smacked in the face with blistering sweat and the odour of beer and dampness. Somehow the buzzing atmosphere is not only consistent, but it’s infectious. Every now and then you turn your head and more people are putting their best head bangs out into to the world.
While it’s easy to understand the appeal of the band, the gig in particular is certainly an acquired taste. Amongst short outlandish spurts of unmeaningful lyrics and aggressive drumming outbursts, Soft Play switch it up by sprinkling in lengthy thoughtful ballads. ‘Everything and Nothing’ in particular hypnotises the crowd. Moments like this really capture the essence and beauty of live art, hundreds of people sing this memorial-like track… they scream it. Occasionally as you sieve through the crowd a burly man’s eyes fill with tears. The evident community built is magnificent. The moments are short lived, as the majority of the set includes animals jumping, pushing, and drinks galore flying through the sky, adding to the thick layer of sweat already on your skin.
After enduring the questionable supporting band ‘Panic Shack’ – who spout very deep lyrics about meal deals and getting the ick – the crowd are already suitably sweaty and riled up, adding to the animosity during Soft Play’s set. The angelic notes of ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ hit the room as the lights dim, causing the crowd to erupt into chaos, Isaac abuses the drums and grunts sending the crowd to ferality. What a beauty. During the show you notice that Isaac performs with emotion that can’t be radiated in a studio, the rawness of sound and passion of the frontman really gives the band a rare, electric stage presence. The set includes aged favorites from debut album Sugar Coated Bitter Truth such as ‘Girl Fight’, a 15-second track which is awarded mosh pit of the night, almost spilling out of the Academy.
Mainly, the tracks belong to the recently released album Heavy Jelly, which became number three in the UK charts (an impressive brag for such a niche act, only beaten by mainstream artists Eminem and Olivia Rodrigo). Clear fan favourites understandably include ‘Punks Dead’ and ‘Act Violently’, as the tracks touch on more serious topics, mimicking society’s more ‘woke’ outlook in recent years. On record it seems that ‘Punks Dead’ is more of a skit, but seeing the undertones of resentment from some individuals is slightly unsettling. The backdrop finally unveils the phrase ‘Soft Cunts’, followed by a chorus of cheers, egging on the duo’s thunderous behaviour. It is expected that at a rough event injuries are likely, however it seems that the band undermine the severity of issues. In one instance, Laurie says ‘Don’t stop the show for shit like that again, we will stop for real injuries’ which to me is rather belittling to worshiping fans who paid to enjoy their show. Soft Plays’ performance certainly lived up to their ‘parkour’ reputation: the unruly, fast-paced atmosphere of the show is in some ways a pleasure to experience. It is undeniable, punk will never die.
