On a day where Melbourne's weather hit a sweltering 41 degrees, the city gave way to a cooler reprieve just in time for SOFT PLAY.
The sky, which had been grey just hours before, now burned like fire – an omen for the chaos about to unfold inside the sold-out 170 Russell (27 January).The English punk-rock duo, formerly known as Slaves, stormed into Melbourne off the back of their acclaimed 2024 release 'Heavy Jelly' and their first headline tour down under.
With a reputation for chaotic, raucous performances, SOFT PLAY didn't just meet expectations, they smashed through them with an unapologetic, high-octane set that showcased their explosive stage presence.
The atmosphere was electric even before the show began. By the time doors opened, the 1,050-capacity room was already heaving with fans eager to witness the duo's raw energy in action.
As the golden lights dimmed and the ethereal, choir-like intro to 'All Things' from 'Heavy Jelly' filled the venue, the crowd erupted. Then, as if ripped straight from the punk-rock playbook, Laurie Vincent and Isaac Holman took the stage shirtless, clad only in boxers, tattoos glinting under the stage lights.
'All Things' isn't just an opener; it's a manifesto. Its lyrics dive into the contradictions of human nature, embracing the beauty and chaos of being wholly, imperfectly human. Mid-song, Vincent hurled himself into the crowd for a stage dive – guitar still slung around his neck – while Holman pounded the drums with visceral intensity.
Image © Chris Dy
From the first note, it was clear this wasn't just a concert; it was an experience. After tearing through the opening tracks with relentless energy, Holman paused to address the crowd. "I've only been in Australia for 24 hours, and I'm already sunburnt," he joked, drawing laughter and cheers.
Then came the revelation: this was not only their first headline show in Australia, but their first sold-out one here too – a milestone that seemed to fuel the already electrified room.
The set list was a masterclass in blending old and new. Fan favourites like 'Sockets' from their debut album 'Are You Satisfied?' and Spit It Out from 2016's Take Control' gave longtime followers moments to revel in nostalgia.
Meanwhile, newer tracks like 'F... The Hi-Hat' ignited a different kind of fury. Holman directed the audience to part down the middle, only to dive deep into the crowd as the beat built. Vincent, in true anarchic fashion, hurled a camera into the audience, letting fans document the chaos firsthand.
Then there were the moments of unexpected hilarity. At one point, a girl behind me sneezed her drink all over my friends and me. In any other setting, this would've been annoying; here, it felt like part of the punk-rock baptism.
Image © Chris Dy
One of the night's standout moments came with 'Punk's Dead', a track featuring none other than Robbie Williams. As the first chords rang out, the crowd went feral. Every word was sung back to the stage with an intensity that made it feel like a shared battle cry. For those few minutes, the room felt united, a singular entity moving to the raw, gritty rhythm of SOFT PLAY's sound.
Then came 'Girl Fight'. Clocking in at just 15 seconds, it might be short, but its impact was seismic. "When the beat starts, I want you to beat the sh.t out of each other," Holman declared with a cheeky grin. The crowd didn't hesitate, launching into a moshpit frenzy that encapsulated everything SOFT PLAY stands for: Chaos, fun, and unrelenting energy.
However, it wasn't all blood-pumping anthems. 'Everything And Nothing', dedicated to those battling mental health struggles, brought a poignant moment of vulnerability to the set. With the crowd singing along, the room felt transformed – a collective catharsis wrapped in punk-rock grit.
Image © Chris Dy
By the time they launched into their final song, 'The Hunter' from their debut album, the duo was drenched in sweat, and the crowd was equally spent. Taking it back to where it all began, SOFT PLAY closed their Melbourne debut with a visceral intensity that left no doubt: This is a band at the peak of their powers.
For a show that started with golden light and choir-like hymns, it ended in fire, sweat, and unity. SOFT PLAY didn't just bring their music to Melbourne; they brought their essence. Probably one of the best gigs Melbourne has seen in months.
More photos from the concert.
