Kneecap performed an eclectic, insatiable set at The Depot, harkening to the past and decrying the present, especially with their comparison of the Irish and Palestinian resistance movements. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
Stepping in The Depot to see Kneecap and SOFT PLAY, I didn’t know what to expect. While doing some preliminary research, I discovered that Kneecap has a feature film about themselves (which I originally couldn’t believe), that SOFT PLAY (formerly known as Slaves) has a feature with Gorillaz and realized just how Irish the whole event I was walking into was. I discovered much more by the time the show had ended.
SOFT PLAY started off the night, and I can only describe the band as what I would’ve imaginedImagine Dragons sounds like to Midwest moms mid-Satanic panic. Sonically a blend of Rage Against the Machine andDeath Grips, the duo takes personal offense if you dare consider asking where their hi-hat is. A highlight of the set was their mandolin-centered, slowed-down ballad “Everything and Nothing.” It sounds like something straight out of a dream — Very R.E.M. influenced.
Kneecap was absolutely insatiable. The Irish trio took me back to the Beastie Boys and enjoyed some audience bonding time when it came to their shared hate of Margaret Thatcher, drawing a connection between the Irish and Palestinian resistance movements. Kneecap was both the past and the future. They reminded me of the aforementioned Beastie Boys, but with the harshness and distortion of 100 gecs. Retro beats on one song sounded like a Lauryn Hill track, but another with dreamy piano chords and 808s sounded like a Joji song. A personal favorite performance was the funky bassline and backbeat energy pushed from “Better Way To Live.” Amid the sea of other balaclava-brandishing audience members, it became increasingly obvious how British-despising hip-hop managed to infiltrate all the way from Ireland to Salt Lake City.
There was never a dead moment in the energy — it’s not often you see an opener compliment the headliner as well as SOFT PLAY managed to do for Kneecap. If you want to listen to SOFT PLAY for yourself, the deluxe album Heavier Jelly releases tomorrow, April 18. Or, if you’d like to satisfy your cinematic taste buds, the 2024 Sundance film Kneecap is available to stream now.
Photos by Logan Sorenson | logan@lmsorenson.net
SOFT PLAY belting it out while playing on stage at The Depot in Salt Lake City. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
SOFT PLAY, UK duo on stage in Salt Lake City at The Depot with a sold out crowd. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
SOFT PLAY playing on stage with the audience shoulder to shoulder just below. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
SOFT PLAY, on stage with members Isaac Holman singing at the mic and Laurie Vincent playing the mandolin while leaning into the audience where a hand holds up a peace sign with. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
SOFT PLAY on stage in Salt Lake City at The Depot. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
SOFT PLAY’s Isaac Holman, hands up with drum sticks in hand, bathed in red stage lights with the main room in darkness. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
SOFT PLAY on stage at Salt Lake City’s The Depot. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
Isaac Holman of SOFT PLAY, hollering at the mic while at the drums and isolated in the fog, on stage in Salt Lake City. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
Isaac Holman of SOFT PLAY, on stage with band mate Laurie Vincent with some back lighting kissing the drumsticks in hand and a packed audience just feet away. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
Laurie Vincent of SOFT PLAY crowd surfs at The Depot, with a sold out crowd. Photo: Logan Sorenson
DJ Próvaí of Kneecap keeps the beat going in the dark as the crowd continues moshing. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
Kneecap, Irish musical group from Belfast, Ireland, on stage at The Depot in Salt Lake City. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
Kneecap’s DJ Próvaí sports an Irish Flag Colored balaclava while on stage in Salt Lake City at the Depot. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
DJ Próvaí holding the mic, at the back of stage, beaming in the colors of the stage lights. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
Kneecap’s Mo Chara on stage in SLC at The Depot standing in the shadows with mic to mouth as he stares the audience down. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
Kneecap members móglaí bap and Mo Chara at front of stage and fellow band mate DJ Próvaí is at the back of stage, performing in Salt Lake City, Utah at The Depot. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
Kneecap on stage in a swath of blue lights and with a packed audience at The Depot in Salt Lake City. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
As seen from the 2nd floor balcony, Kneecap playing a sold out show in Salt Lake City at The Depot. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
Kneecap’s móglaí bap posing a cheers to the audience in Salt Lake City, while performing on stage at The Depot. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
Kneecap’s DJ Próvaí takes the mic early and sings to the audience as he points to the packed house. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
Kneecap performing for a huge crowd, playing a sold out show in Salt Lake City at The Depot. Photo: Logan Sorenson.
