What a treat for the senses! Soft Play tore it up at Glasgow’s iconic Barrowland Ballroom.

Soft Play, are no newcomers to the scene. The British punk rock duo was formerly known as Slaves and was said to have changed their name following advice from the also brilliant Bob Vylan in light of what could be described as a branding issue. They formed in 2012 by Laurie Vincent and Isaac Holman in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England. The two musicians connected over a shared interest in punk and hardcore music, bonding through a commitment to an intense, minimalist style that would define their unique sound.

Holman, a drummer and vocalist, and Vincent, a guitarist and vocalist, decided early on to embrace a simple two-person setup, which would allow them to craft a distinct and raw sound. Holman’s unusual choice to drum standing up added a further element of individuality to their performances, marking the band as visually and sonically different from many others in the UK punk scene. Drawing inspiration from bands like Crass and The Sex Pistols, they crafted lyrics that addressed everyday struggles, social issues, and personal themes, delivered with a punk intensity.

Their breakout came with the 2015 album Are You Satisfied?, which was nominated for the Mercury Prize and brought them significant attention in the UK music scene. Over the next few years, they released additional albums, like Take Control (2016) and Acts of Fear and Love (2018), continuing to develop their sound and establish a dedicated fan base.

In 2022, after a brief hiatus, the band announced their return under the new name Soft Play. The name change was a conscious decision to distance themselves from the controversy around the old name and to better reflect the values of inclusivity and respect they want to uphold. Since then, Soft Play has continued to tour, create music, and evolve while staying true to the punk ethos that initially brought them together. With their gritty performances and willingness to evolve, Soft Play has solidified a place in modern British punk, using their platform to address both personal and societal issues while maintaining their unique musical style.

Taking in the Scottish crowd, the excitement carried the audience in like crashing waves, and this open plan venue is transformed into a sea of smiling punks. The duo take to the stage as the large crowd erupts into an all-consuming roar, the appreciation for the pair is immense and whole hearted and it is all too clear that there is so much love in this space filled with rebellion.

The latest album Heavy Jelly is the focus for the early section of the set. The dulcet orchestral tones of ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’ kicks things off and as the track launches into hard and heavy ‘All Things’, so does everybody on the floor. On to another few tracks from the album, including ‘Mirror Muscles’ and ‘Bin Juice Disaster’ and the crowd are thrown into the depths of Soft Play’s world. The newer release is not carbon copy of Slaves’ successful secret recipe, it’s the rightful next step for the band who are evolving, maturing and still kicking and screaming.

Vincent and Holman are known for their tight but raw live performances, and this show was no exception. Both musicians’ instrumental skill and stage presence were on full display, with Vincent's guitar work adding texture and edge and Holman’s drumming proving to be the pulse of the performance. Soft Play’s unique setup—with Holman playing drums while standing and sharing vocal duties with Vincent—brings a distinct dynamism to their stage presence, making the duo feel larger than life. Their chemistry is undeniable and spills over into their rapport with the audience, which Holman stokes regularly, encouraging crowd participation and creating an atmosphere of solidarity and joy. Vincent launches himself into the crowd for track ‘F*** the Hi-Hat’ – not something unique for this calibre of gig but still something attendees will brag about for years to come. The result is a live experience that feels almost tribal, with the audience feeding off the band’s energy and giving it back in full force.

The slick performance rages through fan favourite numbers from their history, like ‘Sockets’ and ‘Spit It Out’ which are sung out by the crowd. The only slip up of the night comes in blink-you’ll-miss-it track ‘Girl Fight’ where the song was restarted and a slur of messy pictures were encouraged to be taken. The closing songs saw a mix of unrestrained energy and heartfelt gratitude as they thanked the fans for their unwavering support and commitment over the years. Their final song, ‘The Hunter’ left the crowd in a frenzy, and as the last notes faded, the cheers were deafening—a clear sign of the connection that Soft Play has forged with their audience.

Soft Play’s recent show was a testament to the gritty, chaotic energy that has defined them since their early days and demonstrated their continuing evolution and relevance in the punk and alternative scenes.