Cue religious dialogue.
Latter-day Saints, Irish wannabes and die-hard fans alike showed out at the Depot on Tuesday night. As if in prayer, awaiting the duo to walk out on stage, fans threw their hands up in the air as an operatic tune played over the speakers.
From Kent, England, Soft Play is a punk rock duo made up of members Isaac Holman and Laurie Vincent. Just two dudes covered in tattoos, shouting in thick English accents. What more could a punk enthusiast want? They were authentic, loud and instigators of the crowd’s animal-like attitude. The world seemed to slow down as they built up speed, waiting for the crowd to join in.
Being a small space, we were all shoved into the Depot like a pack of sardines. I can assure you, the smell and feeling of sweat dripping in the air were instantly felt by all involved. As soon as the first song, “All Things,” played out, shirts were coming off and bruises were forming. And it didn’t stop. The duo only kept the energy high and enforced a rowdy, out-of-control space. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the current administration and legislation in Utah, this was the place to be to let that all go and throw yourself against the walls.
Supporting Kneecap on their North American tour, Soft Play opened the pit and joined in. They exceeded all expectations of behavior introduced in music videos and records on Spotify. The audience interaction was the highlight of the show. They threw drumsticks around, riffed guitar in the center of the pit and cleared the way for an enormous upheaval of shouting and shoving. Unlike other touring acts who stop in the Beehive State, Soft Play made themselves heard and shared the spotlight with everyone willing to lose control.
Songs that got the crowd even more roused were “Act Violently,” “F*ck the Hi-Hat” and “Beauty Quest.” When announcing “F*ck the Hi-Hat” next, they gave a politically motivated speech about England and continued saying “F*ck the royal family,” opening up for the crowd to join in. Whether from Salt Lake City, Utah, or Kent, England, everyone was screaming for liberation.
Halfway through the show, the duo played “Girl Fight” and announced for all of the ladies in the room to make it to the center of the pit and throw themselves into each other. They gave a short speech, and soon after began violently playing through the track. If that’s not your definition of equality, then you’re probably doing it wrong.
I’ll add that the intensity of the band was maintained all the way through to the end. I found myself shouting for one more as they announced one last song for the crowd. Soft Play is an incredible experience to see live. I’d even say it’s better than their recorded studio sound because of the community and involvement created that night. So, if you ever want to be hot, sweaty and surrounded by screaming fans, Soft Play is the show for you.
The band will be on the North American tour until April 27, with their last stop in New York. You can find out more about Soft Play here, and be on the lookout for the next time they’re in the States.
