WORDS AND IMAGES DESH KAPUR
On a sold-out Wednesday night, Manchester Academy witnessed a blistering performance from Soft Play, formerly known as Slaves. The Kent punk duo, consisting of Isaac Holman on vocals and drums, and Laurie Vincent on guitar, delivered one of the most exhilarating shows I’ve seen this year.
I arrived just in time to catch the Welsh punk band Panic Shack, who were supporting Soft Play on their “Heavy Jelly Tour.” I’m so glad I didn’t miss them! Hailing from Cardiff, Panic Shack consists of Sarah Harvey (lead vocals), Meg Fretwell (guitar), Romi Lawrence (guitar), and Emily Smith (bass), with Nick Doherty-Williams on drums.
They opened their half-hour set with “I Don’t Really Like It,” and it was pure old-school punk rock. Songs like “Baby” and “Meal Deal” were fantastic, and I particularly loved the cleverly titled “I Didn’t Go To Brit School, I Went To Tit School.” Their music combines witty lyrics with catchy hooks, and they are incredibly fun to watch. I even noticed a choreographed dig at Chappell Roan, which I appreciated. With their raw energy, they were the perfect warm-up for what was coming next. I can’t wait to see Panic Shack again—make sure you check them out!
Panic Shack Setlist:
1/ I Don’t Really Like It’
2/ Tit School’
3/ Pockets’
4/ Baby’
5/ Meal Deal’
6/ Jiu Jits You’
7/ Do Something’
8/ The Ick’
9/ Who’s Got My Lighter?’
Walking on to the stage to “All Things Bright And Beautiful” they launch into Heavy Jelly’s opening track “All Things”. Soft Play’s set was relentless energy, filled with their signature mix of raw punk and infectious, chant-worthy hooks, delivered in a distinctly British style.
Isaac Holman’s ability to simultaneously belt out vocals while pounding the shit out of his drum kit remains nothing short of remarkable. His drumming style is intense and primal, and even without a high-hat, he commands an incredible rhythmic presence. In fact, one of the night’s highlights came when the entire crowd erupted into a chant of “F*%k the high-hat,” a moment that encapsulated the anarchic spirit of the evening.
On guitar, Laurie Vincent was equally impressive, never stopping for a second, constantly thrashing around the stage while laying down ferocious riffs that made it hard to believe there were only two people producing such a wall of sound. Their chemistry is undeniable, and it’s this synergy that fuels their electric live performances. The sheer volume and energy they generate would be impressive enough from a four-piece, let alone just two.
But beyond the technical prowess, what truly makes Soft Play special is their knack for writing anthemic songs with big, shouty choruses and lyrics that resonate. The night’s setlist touched on themes ranging from internet trolls to Holman’s sessions with his therapist, to Vincent’s obsession with John Wick. Every track felt like a cathartic release, not just for the band but for the entire audience, who moshed, shouted, and danced throughout.
The crowd was fully invested from the first note to the last, chanting every lyric back at the band with raw enthusiasm. The communal spirit inside Manchester Academy was amazing, as fans embraced the chaos.
In a musical landscape that can often feel uninspired, Soft Play is a breath of fresh air. They’re punk to the core, but they blend in just enough pop sensibility and wit to make their sound accessible without sacrificing any of the grit. Their live shows are something to behold—raw, exhilarating, and completely unhinged in the best way possible.
If you’re looking for a band that can restore your faith in live music, put Soft Play at the top of your list. They’re exciting, necessary, and an absolute must-see in 2024.
SET LIST:
1/ All Things
2/ Mirror Muscles
3/ Isaac Is Typing…
4/ Bin Juice Disaster
5/ Act Violently
6/ Fuck the Hi-Hat
7/ Sockets
8/ Spit It Out
9/ Punk’s Dead
10/ Worms on Tarmac
11/ Working Title
12/ John Wick
13/ It Makes Me Sick
14/ Girl Fight
15/ Everything and Nothing
16/ One More Day Won’t Hurt
17/ The Mushroom and the Swan
18/ Beauty Quest
19/ The Hunter
FOLLOW SOFT PLAY
FOLLOW PANIC SHACK
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
