Soccer Mommy played two sold-out shows at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn earlier this December, with support from indie rock band Ratboys. In the midst of finals, I managed to make it just in time to catch a bit of Ratboys’ set. Their high, positive energy was raw and exciting. The last few songs of their set were great, especially their performance of Alien With A Sleep Mask On which has yet to be released.
After Ratboys’ performance, the crowd was ready for Soccer Mommy to take the stage. As the lights dimmed and the band’s name flashed on the screen, cheers filled the room. As the band entered through the side stage door, the screen changed and bright, abstract graphics began playing in the background. The grain textured grids and patterns were very reminiscent of 80s MTV sequences. The reoccurring moon shapes and light reflections on wet pavement were hypnotizing, and the winding expansive spaces created by repeating shapes was ethereal. Soccer Mommy’s performance accompanied by the lights and visuals felt alien but in the best way. Oddly tranquil and calm, the whole venue seems to transport to another place.
In addition to performing some of their more popular hits like Your Dog and Last Girl, singer Sophie Allison, played a solo set featuring song Clean as well as a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s song I’m On Fire. Other standout moments included Sophie’s performance of Out Worn, from her previous album Collection. Before performing the song, Sophie explained how a fan had come up to her after their show in DC and told her that they didn’t like the song. A fan from the Williamsburg crowd shouted out “FUCK HER!” Sophie’s face changed and she looked out into the crowd and said, “Well actually, it was a guy so whoever said ‘fuck her,’ fuck you!” It was a great moment.
The last song of the set was Scorpio Rising, which Sophie mentioned was one of her favorites to perform. Fans cheered for an encore the moment the song finished. The band only left the stage for a couple of minutes before returning to play one final song. Soccer Mommy will resume touring in the US in February after a few shows overseas in Australia and Japan.
