Emerging from the U.K.’s vibrant punk and hardcore underground, Soft Play have carved out a space where raw energy meets sharp political awareness. Growing up immersed in the U.K.’s punk and hip-hop scenes, a landscape shaped by rebellion, community, and social critique, the band embody a fierce commitment to authenticity both on and off stage.
Growing up only 40 minutes away from each other, Isaac and Laurie both got their chops in the U.K.’s underground music communities, even if they were seemingly two whole different worlds, as Isaac was bigger into hip-hop versus Laurie’s harcore, punk, and metal roots. Regardless, both recognize that these genres are music from the streets made by and for the people. Whether it was seeing Gallows, the early years of Bring Me The Horizon, Title Fight play to only 200 people, or a variety of underground rappers, Soft Play’s diverse roots and foundational experiences would eventually shape them into the musicians and people they are today.
Operating as a duo, Soft Play make their limitations work for them, allowing them to hone in their sound exactly how they want it without too much back and forth or writing complications.
“I think the limitations give us our sound, and then we have to work around it. When there’s too many options, it gets more confusing. It’s definitely been part of what we do.”
It’s exactly these potential limitations that offer the opportunity for Soft Play to lock in their creativity, to think outside the box. Constantly evolving their core sound, Soft Play looked to their past for their last record by “…re-accessing (their) inner child.” With influences from early 2000’s nu-metal and heavy metal (especially drop D tuning), Soft Play found a great balance between System of a Down and Limp Bizkit meets Cypress Hill and The Transplants. For them, it was “… all about like re-finding that play and doing something we enjoyed rather than trying to make something that sounded cool or of our time.” Most importantly, they place fun and just making music together as their number-one priority.
In an era where punk’s definition often gets muddied by commercialization and nostalgia, Soft Play wrestle with what it means to be true to the genre’s roots while pushing forward into new territory. They see themselves not only as musicians but as individuals deeply engaged with the current political and social turmoil, channeling the anger, frustration, and hope of today’s generation through their music.
Their sound doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the moment, whether it’s systemic injustice or political disillusionment, but they also embrace punk’s enduring spirit of resistance and solidarity, especially in today’s current global political climate believing “everyone needs to … say something” even “… if you’re not the most articulate person or the most knowledgeable, it’s about solidarity.”
While it’s taken them some time to feel confident in their newfound responsibility to stand up and speak out, they’ve since come around to it, stating, “It’s not easy. I don’t think we’ve always kind of felt that responsibility. But as I said, I think now more than ever, it’s really important to just engage and talk,” because for Soft Play, punk isn’t just a genre; it’s a call to action, a platform for community, and a way to process the complexities of the world they, and their fans, live in.
As they continue to evolve, Soft Play are deliberate about the experience they create live and the legacy they hope to leave behind. Their shows aim to be more than just concerts; they’re moments of collective experiences, connection, and empowerment, while also feeling a sense of community, allowing for a “… place for people to come together and be one.” Through their music, they want fans to walk away not only energized but also reminded that punk’s power lies in its ability to challenge, to question, and ultimately, to inspire change, explaining how they’re “… really proud that we carved the space for ourselves to be completely ourselves and unique. And I think that’s our legacy.”
Heavier Jelly is out now. Follow Soft Play on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for future updates.
Photos by Kyle Bergfors
