Ahead of their eagerly anticipated fourth album, which will follow later this year, UK-based duo SOFT PLAY have just revealed their latest cut, ‘Mirror Muscles‘ – which premiered as a Hottest Record first play on Clara Amfo‘s BBC Radio 1 show.
‘Mirror Muscles’ sees SOFT PLAY roaring back with uncompromising, full-throttle intensity. Granite-heavy riffs and pulverising drums take on an almost hypnotic intensity to support frontman Isaac Holman‘s caustic vocal delivery, which blurs the boundaries between soaring hardcore hollers and a rambunctious, rhythmic rap-tinged flow. His lyrics take a wryly comic observational look at how bodybuilding has become a visible nationwide trend – a place where people work relentlessly to look like “Mike Tyson meets Rylan”. SOFT PLAY adds, “We love to work out. We frequent the local gymnasium. These are some thoughts we had while we were there.“
Known initially as Slaves, SOFT PLAY have carved their own place within the landscape of the UK alternative scene. Their three albums to date have all landed in the Top 10 without compromising their visceral punk and hardcore roots or their distinct lyrical outlook. Their debut, ‘Are You Satisfied?‘, has been certified Gold in recognition of 100,000+ sales and was nominated for the Mercury Prize, while their second album, ‘Take Control‘, was produced by Beastie Boys legend Mike D.
In the live arena, the duo have headlined festivals such as 2000trees, supported the likes of The Prodigy, and played headline shows at the 10,000-capacity Alexandra Palace. SOFT PLAY’s summer festival schedule is taking shape with a headline set at the Amazon New Music Stage at The Great Escape, joining further UK shows at Tramlines, Truck, Y NOT? and Boardmasters.
‘Mirror Muscles’ is available worldwide now via BMG.
