Cardiff has always thrived from live music, we are the first Music City after all. But the city has especially felt the buzz as of late thanks to the incredible Cardiff City Music Festival. But on Wednesday night, Cardiff truly came alive as Soft Play made their long-awaited return to the capital, following their electrifying support slot with The Prodigy. The atmosphere was charged, with fans amped up and ready for a night of raw energy.
Kicking off the evening’s event with an explosive performance were local riot grrrls Panic Shack. Armed with a collection of colourful, attitude-filled tracks, their return was a highly anticipated highlight for locals. The band delivered a cathartic experience, featuring punchy choruses and a fierce punk spirit that left the crowd buzzing. Their set was cutting, sweaty, and downright angry, surely winning over new fans along the way. It’s not the first time I’ve seen Panic Shack, the first time was at The Deep a couple of years back and it’s clear than ever that they’ve gone from strength to strength, and it’s only up from here now.
As the lights dimmed, anticipation reached a fever pitch. The screams of the crowd were set to MAX volume as Soft Play took the stage, launching into a high-energy set that spanned their entire catalogue, including fresh tracks from their latest release, Heavy Jelly. The performance was a punk spectacle, punctuated by witty remarks and a rugged charm that resonated with the packed house.
Fans roared along to every word, the energy in the room palpable, and the backdrop - a cheeky proclamation reading 'Soft Cunt' - only amplified the evening’s playful vibe. It was a night that celebrated the spirit of punk, leaving attendees exhilarated and hungry for more.
They kicked off the evening with 'All Things', taken from their latest album Heavy Jelly. It wasn’t only their opening track but a masterclass in the band’s signature chaotic yet melodic style. It ignited an already amped up crowd with razor sharp lyrics and a blend of grit and introspection. From the final notes of their first song it was clear to see the venue had turned into a sweatbox of unruly behaviour and a crowdsurfing spectacle; it added to the mayhem and reinforced the sense that this was a night of unbridled and utterly wild freedom. The sea of fans, in the packed out Tramshed, were eager to be a part of something exhilarating and that was exactly what they got to experience.
Tracks like ‘Sockets’, ‘Punk’s Dead’ and ‘Spit It Out’ underscored Soft Play's relentless drive for crowd interaction, as the chorus of screams and chants seamlessly blended with the band's raucous energy. This was most vividly captured in the rebellious, attitude-laden chant of 'Fuck The Hi Hat', which sparked an explosive reaction from the audience.
Soft Play delivered a visceral performance with ‘Isaac Is Typing’, packed with high-octane energy and heavy, bass-driven goodness. The track quickly turned into a full-blown mosh fest, fuelled by its pulsating, punk-infused basslines. The rumbling rhythms coursing throughout the night satisfied the crowd's craving for raw, unfiltered chaos, whilst their relentless tempo kept the energy at a fever pitch.
What stood out most that evening was the band’s unmistakable chemistry. After over a decade of playing together, the lads in Soft Play operated like a well-oiled machine, effortlessly swapping vocals and feeding off each other's energy. Their performance felt intuitive, almost telepathic, as they seamlessly transitioned between tracks while maintaining the same infectious momentum. Their performance, like always, was tight, utterly fun and full of personality.
The Hunter, a classic from the boys in Soft Play, signalled the end of what was an electrifying evening. It was a sonic riot, perfectly capturing Soft Play's knack for igniting their audience. I’m dead certain that no one in that room wanted it to end.
Soft Play continue the rest of their tour across the next month. You can stay updated on all things SOFT PLAY on Facebook, Instagram, and X
Stream Heavy Jelly now
Words: Tate Powell (@tatepowellx)
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