On Tuesday night, the Depot was alive with energy as fans from all walks of life gathered to witness the punk rock duo Soft Play.
Fans of all backgrounds, from Latter-day Saints to die-hard punk enthusiasts, awaited the band’s arrival with fervor, throwing their hands in the air as operatic tunes set the atmosphere.
Originating from Kent, England, Soft Play consists of Isaac Holman and Laurie Vincent—two tattooed performers shouting with thick English accents, embodying the raw spirit of punk rock.
The tightly packed venue hummed with excitement as attendees squeezed in, resembling a pack of sardines, with the palpable scent of sweat in the air.
The moment Soft Play kicked off the concert with their song “All Things,” the crowd erupted—shirts were ripped off, and a wild mosh pit formed, transforming the space into a chaotic explosion of energy.
This was the perfect outlet for anyone feeling weighed down by current societal and political issues, allowing for a wild release as fans lost themselves in the music, pushing and shoving against the walls.
Supporting the act Kneecap on their North American Tour, Soft Play took control of the stage, shattering preconceived notions of how a live punk show should feel.
Audience interaction was a defining feature of their performance; Holman and Vincent shared the spotlight by playfully engaging with fans, tossing drumsticks and urging attendees to join in the chaos at the center of the pit.
Tracks like “Act Violently,” “F*ck the Hi-Hat,” and “Beauty Quest” ignited the crowd’s enthusiasm, with the band even adding a politically charged commentary against the English royal family leading to collective chants of dissent.
Midway through the performance, the duo dedicated “Girl Fight” to the women in the audience, encouraging them to gather in the pit and engage in a playful brawl.
This call for unity and shared experience demonstrated the band’s commitment to equality and empowerment, wrapping the crowd in an atmosphere of camaraderie.
Even as the concert neared the end, the energy never waned. When the duo announced their final song, the entire audience cried out for more, showing just how fully invested they were in the experience.
Seeing Soft Play live is a transcendent experience, with their performance surpassing studio recordings, largely due to the vibrant community atmosphere generated that night.
For anyone craving an exhilarating outing filled with sweat, excitement, and the thrill of a loud punk rock show, Soft Play is a must-see act.
The band is set to continue its North American tour until April 27, culminating with their last stop in New York. Be sure to look out for Soft Play’s next performance in the States.
image source from:https://dailyutahchronicle.com/2025/04/19/kiss-your-mates-on-the-lips-soft-play-in-slc/