‘HEAVY JELLY’ Marks the Exciting Return of UK Punk Duo SOFT PLAY

‘HEAVY JELLY’ marks the exciting return of UK punk duo SOFT PLAY, six years since their last record. Fresh off a name change (formerly Slaves – a very understandable change), the twosome have created another raucous, lyrically biting punk record, picking right back up from where they left off.

The first single off the album, ‘Punk’s Dead’, directly addressed criticism around the name change, hilariously imitating critics with lyrics like; “Soft Play, more like soft cunts”. This, mixed with a Robbie Williams feature of all people, shows the unexpected turns ‘HEAVY JELLY’ takes, perfectly summed up by lead singer Isaac Holman, “Don’t try and be like everyone else. Just do what you want and have fun.”

Playful lyrics are strewn across the album with nods to gym culture in ‘Mirror Muscles’, their hate for e-scooters in ‘Act Violently’ and name-dropping Australian classics Neighbours and Home & Away in ‘Bin Juice Disaster’.

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Instrumentally and production wise ‘HEAVY JELLY’ has an intense freedom about it, unapologetic and unbound by genre as the opener ‘All Things’ shows, beginning with a Church choir before dropping into a stomping, distortion-soaked sermon, with Isaac screaming, “I’m the sweetest empath until I’m not”.

This versatility is not done better than in album closer ‘Everything and Nothing’, a sombre and reflective ode to a friend of Isaac’s and Laurie’s partner, who both passed away. Distorted guitars are swapped for strummed mandolin and expressive violin, rounding out the record with a mixture of sadness and hope.

‘HEAVY JELLY’ paints a picture of two artists who feel comfortable being vulnerable and making the music they want, regardless of expectations or genre. It feels like a grower and feels wholly unique in the current space, and it can be switched on whether you’re angry, partying, or solemn reflection.