Distinctly crackling in the air is this ‘up for it’ energy born from the ashes of Slaves. Punk’s favourite two-man boy band are back. Nottingham, let’s bring it. Welcoming to the stage…
SOFT PLAY
Although their evocatively blunt and satirical lyrics drew mixed reactions from the crowd, you can’t deny the command that Panic Shack hold over your eyes. There isn’t a square inch of the stage that the band doesn’t absolutely dominate. Exploring niche lyrical themes such as meal deals and missing lighters, this strange sense of humour shared by our headliners sets the tone for the night. Pure noizzze.
Calling tonight a cathartic experience is possibly an understatement. Of course, there is nothing better than throwing yourself around to the cataclysmically loud and personable punk of Soft Play. Yet as the lights drop and Lust For Life blasts through the speakers, you can sense the tangible tension to bounce bubbling through the veins of every person. Emerging to the dulcet, orchestral tones of All Things Bright, Isaac Holman crashes his kit and all hell breaks loose.
Opening their set with a clear run through of songs from their latest album, that crunch of the guitar and drums brimming with intensity pulsed heavily within Isaac is Typing… and Mirror Muscles. The ferocity with which they tear through sharp frantic punk rock and metal tunes is something that can only really be achieved by adrenaline, as seen by the numerous times Laurie Vincent dashes from the stage to the pit. The 45-second long track F*ck The Hi-Hat was then jointly performed by Isaac and the crowd, who each echoed the one and only phrase in that song… “f*ck the hi-hat!” – an ode to the simplicity yet invigorating nature of the post-punk genre.
“Let me take out my ear protection – and put down your phones, live through the f**king moment – because I wanna hear ya!”
Their repertoire of Slaves classics were hardly ignored, with the likes of Sockets upping the anti of an already rowdy, high-spirited evening. Most people seem to be looking after each other, picking each other up when they fall to the ground – and it’s a needed gesture, with Act Violently urging the crowd do exactly just that. Girl Fight has Laurie urging the crowd: “Make a girls only pit! You lads get to the back for bit, I don’t want to see any of you in here except the girls!” It’s an inclusive gesture, bands like Soft Play and Bob Vylan are making space for women to safely enjoy that delicious mayhem at the front.
“What do you reckon Nottingham!? Are we warming up yet?”
As the show neared its end, the energy on stage – and on the sticky floors – showed no signs of fading. The angsty chants of Beauty Quest, one of Soft Play’s earliest releases, only grew louder, resonating with 2,000 devoted fans. A few moments of catching a breath was interrupted by the iconic chords of The Hunter.
SOFT PLAY PERFORMED TUESDAY 29TH OCTOBER
WORDS: TALIA ROBINSON
ROCK CITY NOTTINGHAM
We’re not only Nottingham’s favourite venue and nightclub – we’re the UK’s best live venue with a rich history of performers that have played here. Big up Soft Play for reminding us that punk ain’t dead!
Also while you’re at it, why not check out our gig guide and see if any other of your favourite artists like Soft Play are playing soon! We also have our club nights on a Thursday (Tuned), Friday (Get Lucky) and Saturday (Rebel Rebel) so check those out too!
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