The Soft Boys on DeBaser: reviews, highlights, and works

The Soft Boys

Musical Group

Forfans of psychedelic rock and post-punk, curious listeners exploring robyn hitchcock’s early band, and anyone into sharp guitars and surreal pop hooks.
3 Reviews 0 Definitions 1 Charts

The Profile

English neo-psychedelic/post-punk band formed in Cambridge in 1976, led by Robyn Hitchcock with key guitarist Kimberley Rew. Their 1980 album Underwater Moonlight became a cult landmark; the band reunited in 2001 and released Nextdoorland in 2002.

Formed in Cambridge in 1976; core members included Robyn Hitchcock and Kimberley Rew; acclaimed for Underwater Moonlight (1980); reunited 2001–2003 and released Nextdoorland (2002).

Two reviews celebrate The Soft Boys’ psych-powered craft. Underwater Moonlight (1980) is hailed as a genre-defining masterpiece brimming with sharp songwriting and vivid influences. Nextdoorland (2002) earns praise as a lively reunion marked by fluid guitars and Hitchcock’s unmistakable voice. No cheap nostalgia—just a band still sounding singular.

Notable Quotes

❝ Whoever loves psychedelia cannot ignore this work, which dated 1980, in the full psychedelic revival, becomes a masterpiece of the aforementioned genre.

❝ The Soft Boys remain a unique group, "outside" even the big pot where all their various stepbrothers were gathered in the early '80s ... thanks to the speed with which you immediately recognize one of their tracks: the interplay of guitars, Hitch's whining voice, the fluidity of the rhythm section.