Understanding SOFT PLAY: Is Punk Dead? (Are You Satisfied? to Heavy Jelly)

[@MusicMongoose]

Ever seen SOFT PLAY live? If you enjoyed the video, please do subscribe to the channel and let me know who you’d like to see a video about next! Also, pre-order Heavy Jelly on vinyl here (affiliate link): amzn.to/3V8ZFOk

[@liambuddle]

I'm new to your channel so I don't know if you have already covered them, but I would like you to talk about the Dead South

[@MusicMongoose]

Thanks so much for subscribing! I'll have a look at Dead South but I think it's a bit out of my wheelhouse. I'm more about rock and indie rather than folk-bluegrass! 😊

[@liambuddle]

@@MusicMongoose yeah me too but they are pretty cool

[@theofficialshadowblade]

I saw Slaves in Los Angeles supporting Kasabian in 2017 and it was an absolutely fantastic show. Love the new Soft Play album.

[@jimmibrown]

Seen them half a dozen times and it's been a banger every time, energy unmatched

[@andyfulton9603]

Changing their name for inclusivity purposes, using people's negative reactions to write the hardest tune of their entire discogrophy, and getting Robbie Williams to drop guest vocals on it is unironically some of the most Punk shit ever done by a modern band.

[@ltmund]

There is absolutely nothing Punk about Robbie Williams. Nothing.

[@gazzren]

@@ltmund Including him to annoy the babies is Punk.

[@ltmund]

​@@gazzrenWhy?

​@@ltmund You'll notice a lot of people just spew shit around this issue for the sake of defending a good song or how the name change was supposedly, ultimately a good move. Which is why it totally overshadows a complete and utter betrayal of the scene, the attitude, their fans, and ultimately their morals. The bottom line is that they caved to virtually no public pressure (very punk) to conform to political ideology (very punk), just to (months afterwards) set in on mocking their older fanbase for voicing the completely justifiable opinion that the PR move was blatantly cowardly. Because it's easier to drag those who had liked you, rather than those who initiated the issue by insisting you change arbitrarily. (very punk) Count Dankula's coverage titled "Band Called "Slaves" Change Their Name And Apologize" puts it into perspective succinctly, providing a near 20/20 hindsight insight into the ordeal: They caved at every turn after a brief and half-hearted defense. Then, from a position of utter defeat declare "we didn't want that name anymore anyways actually" It just feels like there's a lot of losers in the scene these days. When it's happened long enough it ends up being propelled to the top just as much as it festers at the bottom. I guess I never agreed with the standing leftist rhetoric punk adopted since I was 16, which tends to attract legitimate social outcasts. The entire debacle is just bad optics. I still like the music, I just think less of them as people.

[@tommybozarth3251]

I think that’s the joke.

[@Konterbier]

Softplay was suggested by the algorithm two weeks ago and I fell in love immediately!

[@maytale.7184]

I rarely see videos covering this band so you just made my day!! Love these boys ♥️🔥

[@MusicMongoose]

You just made my day with this comment, thanks!

[@perryrodent]

I found Soft Play via the Spotify algorithm and Heavy Jelly shapes up to be my album of the year. I didn't know anything about the band, I am glad I do now.

[@andycrowley]

I saw them at 2000 trees too, 2017 and 2023 - Quality band, quality festival! 🙌 Great video 👏👏👏New sub here! 👋

[@JackHennah-vq6gl]

Love your guitar lessons mate

[@mayra6vidrich]

Hey, thanks for the video. I loved your channel. Big hug from Brazil! 🔥🔥🔥 The algorithm suggested Soft Play to me two weeks ago and it hasn't stopped playing since then. Much of what you said about the new approach to punk is adopted by the biggest Brazilian hardcore band, Dead Fish. They're over 30 years old and recently released an excellent album called Labirinto da Memoria. If you're interested in listening to it, "Dentes Amarelos", "Interrupção", "Avenida Maruipe" and "11 de Setembro" are the best songs. And they recently did a tour in England.

[@MusicMongoose]

Awesome, thanks for the recommendation!

[@idiotbox1814]

Punks Dead was recommended to me like 3 days ago and I've been listening to Soft Play like non stop since. Doing laundry or walking to work, doesn't matter.

[@leanneh5293]

Same!!!! Found them a couple of weeks ago and not stopped listening to them since!

[@TheMonkeyRoyale]

one of my top punk bands.. brilliant

[@natkj3677]

love the band, saw them live once in 2019 and it was the best experience. Very well-structured video, it's nice to see your appreciation to the band through your delivery

[@MusicMongoose]

Thanks so much!

[@OfficialEvermore]

Love the quotes effects! And excited to try this band! Awesome video 👏🏾

[@Krankensteinn]

Stuck here in the States. Love to see them if they come over the pond

[@reveloharry]

I really love these types of video essays on music. British bands are on another level for me, and I'm finally going to visit the UK this year! I hope to see as many bands I like as I can (I already have tickets for Soft Play in Norwich). Great video! Keep it up.

[@MusicMongoose]

Thanks! I’ve got a few videos of newer British bands on my channel - check them out 👍😊

[@GeniusLad32]

If you're still around in December, try and get tickets for Enter Shikari if you're near one of their shows. Well worth seeing live.

[@eoghanfarrell2147]

Only discovered this band last week!!! Great video, PUNKS DEAD IS A BANGER

[@MusicMongoose]

Welcome aboard the SOFT PLAY train!

[@Beholder505]

If you like these guys check out Conservative Military Image. Great shit

[@eoghanfarrell2147]

@@Beholder505 Cheers buddy, some great riffs. I'm a big fan of The Bronx

[@jcraigie]

Soft Play is such an amazing duo! One of my go too bands when I need a pick me up.

[@gee_on_wheels]

I can't wait to see them live at bludfest, and I am excited for the new album 😁 I have already Pre-ordered it

[@MusicMongoose]

You're in for a brilliant time! 🤘

[@xS1L3NTxSnIpErx]

This video is excellent, bloody loveleh! I saw them play in Liverpool during their last tour when they were still called Slaves, and as you say it was truly biblical👌

[@kevlon_]

Came across them rather recently and they're amazing. Great video! Would honestly be even better if you could actually put some samples of their music in there, but I suppose that might get your channel striked or smth

[@MusicMongoose]

Yep exactly that - don't want to get flagged to the KZbin copyright overlord

[@stunpeenmann]

One of the very few great punk bands and my personal favourite punk band 🔥🔥

[@JennLaFleur]

I adore Soft Play!! I’ve seen them live twice and I just think they’re great 🎉

[@TheGhoul95]

Great video!

[@JoeJonCoole]

Great video, thank you! While I do disagree with the idea that these days being punk means being soft - this was great content! You got my subscribe!

[@92Joshlee]

I saw them at the warm up show at the forum in T wells in 2023. Best and sweatiest show ive ever attended

[@robertpatterson1037]

The problem with changing names is that people ( I was one) lose track of the band after they disappeared for 3 years. Think personally they should have stuck either the name Slaves.

[@paulfoot9230]

Nah they are bigger than they ever were, releasing a track comprised of the online trolls quotes was marketing genius.They're simply smashing it at every festival they are playing at, their Autumn tour is almost sold out so yeah whatever... If you have a problem with the name change then maybe they are not for you. Peace

[@robertpatterson1037]

@@paulfoot9230 lol. Get off your soapbox and stop preaching to the converted. Unlike most I’ve actually gone out and sent money on vinyl rather than streaming. As a long time fan I’m only making a point of it’s a risk. Obviously they are doing really well so your negative comments aren’t helpful at all.

[@Mushywhale]

I can’t wait for their next album. Have been listening to them exclusively for about 3 weeks now. Addicted. “Hard music for soft people” ❤

[@otterspocket97]

Still can't believe they got Robbie Williams on Punks dead

[@jackharkness363]

Excellent video.

[@haxio17]

They are literally Cosplaying Our Generation

[@christianspanggaard]

I love the likes of Soft Play and IDLES. Would someone mind sharing their playlists of music with similar message and sound? I also like Fontaines DC, Wunderhorse, Ditz, Shame and Viagra Boys, if that helps guide you to bands I'm looking for (althoguh their sound and message are not all very similar to IDLES and Soft Play).

[@glowinthedarkent]

Hmm, where did the word slave come from?

[@wiz4940]

I personally feel they're wrong with saying the name Slaves is an issue in their statement regardless. As you said a large deal of their content was about being a slave to the 9-5 and capitalism. The name Slaves has zero relation to racism or bigotry it's just a word. Think they did kinda conform by changing it😅. Regardless they're still hard as and will always love their music🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ExLionTamer2]

Most of the original '77 punks saw punk as eperimental and challenging but in barely a year it was starting to get codified. A bunch of bands and fans thought you had to play and dress a certain way when it was supposed to be about rebellion and expressing yourself freely. The originals quickly rebelled against that and disowned what punk had become. Then the 80s saw the US hardcore scene infiltrated by meatheads thinking it was all about agression and hate, prompting the Dead Kennedys to write Nazi Punks Fuck Off. Soft Play are true punks in that they understand it as an open-minded, essentially progressive left movement

[@LonePear]

Great video. Nice history (I learned some things from watching). Look forward to watching more. Although, I do have to point out the irony (maybe) of mentioning the Sex Pistols in that sense. Just in relation to the lyrics from the end of "Punk's dead": And to think I believed a ll that shit that you said Johnny Rotten is turning in his bed I was gonna say grave, but the fucker ain't dead. Not too sure if they're making fun of him or not (I thought they were). You know, since the whole butter commercial, and MAGA t-shit pictures. Either that, or I guess they're saying punk is dead in relation to John Lydon's idiocy. Sorry for my formatting, I obviously don't know how to properly format KZbin comments.

[@GeniusLad32]

I do find it very odd that people say changing their name isn't punk. Understanding problems and changing your views is literally the most punk thing possible. Stubbornly sticking to your views is the definition of conservatism, aka anti-punk.

[@MusicMongoose]

You totally get it! 🤘

[@ningboy3274]

Idles probably don't like being described as a punk band because Idles isn't a punk band. It's not just lyrical content, political stance, aesthetics, etc. that make a punk band, the music itself has to be punk rock. Like I get the argument it's a philosophy, or a state of mind, but we aren't talking about a person identifying as a punk, we're talking about a band, and Idles doesn't make punk rock music. I honestly can't really describe what genre they would fall under, but it isn't punk. Listen to GBH or OFF!, then listen to Idles, it's two entirely different styles of music. (Idles is still a good band, but they aren't a punk band)

[@themassive5272]

Truck Festival was absolutely the hottest I've ever been especially during their set. Loved every minute though

[@MusicMongoose]

Same here!

[@BlakeBlackstone]

Love them. Although Soft Play is very similar to a band name I created when I was like 13 called "Shy Play" And it is a pretty terrible name. lol Anyways I'm suing them for trademark infringement, seeing as how it's too similar.

[@JeremyB1993]

LOVE THEM!

[@MusicMongoose]

AND THEY LOVE YOU!

[@goodnightvienna8511]

oh yeah ive just seen Slaves on a Sunday Cooking show . whats that all about ? unless they were gna do a TV Grundy moment?

[@timhagele3549]

nice video

[@chaimmiller2011]

Saw them last year at trees love them

[@MusicMongoose]

I was there too! 🤘

[@RageQuitSco]

Soft play is a great name But you SHOULD defend the name slaves. Unless you take all the creativity for granted Fuck what some people think

[@RATSinTHEhallway1986]

Larry Pink the Human. Not Larry the pink human

[@MusicMongoose]

Well spotted... My bad!

[@CP-zu5pi]

Like you conflate American punk with brit punk lol. The American type is very progressive, often linked to progrock and likes to be more "intellectual" or something haha the British type is more raw emotion and generally keeps things simple. Its a unique British thing that you really don't see anywhere else. Stuff like Hanratty for example is very brit punk. Glad these bands are still around, they really get a venue jumping.

[@ihateyourface7]

Dayglow Abortions are one of the 'most punk' punk bands of all time despite being Canadian and a hardcore band

[@StaceyBattersby-c6d]

Name dropping Robbie,is gonna backfire on you,he was in a boy band,not a punk band. And as you said,Punks Dead. I like the lyrics, & energy but you don't need to name drop. 🍾👍☠

[@Osk94]

Shame they backed down on the name, but I love their music all the same!

[@TheBrawlBox]

A 'new era for punk.' 🤣 The synopsis to your border-line sycophantic post; '' you can still sell out and be punk'' 🤦‍♀ Ever feel like you've been cheated?

[@frankogregory8735]

“The left is redefining punk” lol that’s the problem.

[@andyfulton9603]

Punk has pretty much always been predominantly left-wing, since the establishment was right-wing.

[@ihateyourface7]

The past doesn't matter. Which one is more mainstream now? The left or right?

[@andyfulton9603]

@@ihateyourface7 why does what's "mainstream" matter?

[@ltmund]

​@@andyfulton9603Punk is not left wing. Punk is its own thing. It's Punk.

[@oneroomproductions7788]

Soft people create hard times.

[@Syko1985]

They should never have changed their name, but hey, im over it. I am not a fan of them for political reasons anyway, i just fucking love their music.

[@andreykotovsky]

When they changed name just because of some sjw bullshit, ive completely lost interest in them

[@liambuddle]

I think a band is more than just a name, who cares what there called

[@andreykotovsky]

@@liambuddle that just shows how spineless they are

[@MusicMongoose]

Have you heard their song Punk’s Dead? It’s written about you 😊

[@andreykotovsky]

@@MusicMongoose punk not dead. Slaves are.

[@StegsDC]

​@andreykotovsky shame it's not your band mate 👍

[@EJB2274]

Great video👏👏

[@MusicMongoose]

Thanks :)