REVIEW: Soccer Mommy @ Deaf Institute

When a band blows up online, it can be easy to forget the scale that translates to in real life. I’ve listened to Soccer Mommy’s Clean way more than ten times since its release early this year, according to Last.FM. They’ve garnered praise from all corners of the internet and will no doubt feature on many end of year lists. They have supported Paramore. It’s slightly jarring, then, when Sophie Allison and co step out onto the tiny stage of the 300 capacity Deaf Institute.

Before that, though, the radiant talent of Brooke Bentham takes to the stage for a powerful and emotive support slot. The Newcastle born singer-songwriter possesses a raw, cerebral voice that hushes the whole crowd. Her enunciation is spot on - every single person in the room is hooked on her storytelling, acoustic driven song writing.

Whilst Brooke has covered Fleetwood Mac recently, she doesn’t drag this cover out as an easy trick, instead spending her set playing through her own music and offering the odd comment on a songs backstory, but usually keeping to herself and steadily retuning her guitar.

When Soccer Mommy emerge, they launch into two tracks from their Collection LP, perfectly recited but the less catchy song writing leaves the crowd waiting for the Clean cuts. These songs are the ones that have launched Soccer Mommy into internet stratospheres and they sound even more powerful live. Your Dog gets the crowd murmuring along to the melancholic but memorable hook and proves that Soccer Mommy are no ones dogs. They play the gig by their own rules, including a Bruce Springsteen cover and about 15 minutes of solo Sophie material.

The band are in danger of seeming like a Sophie Allison vehicle, but live improvisations like a blistering solo added to Scorpio Rising adds a flair that brings the band to life. The way Allison introduces each member of the band gives a genuine sense of comradery.

Soccer Mommy return to Manchester this October supporting the wonderful Kasey Musgreeves at the O2 Apollo on the 30th.

#soccermommy #brookebentham