The Soft Boys are set to re-issue their two studio albums alongside a series of bonus tracks.
Formed at the height of prog, The Soft Boys embodied stood apart from virtually every other band in the UK. Citing Syd Barrett as an influence, the Cambridge band’s gentle psychedelia seemed completely unique.
Releasing just two albums over five years the band were almost completely ignored. Splitting in 1981, The Soft Boys left a small but immaculate legacy which helped to kick start the notion of a second psychedelic wave.
Inspired by 60s groups but with a viewpoint that had more in common with punk, the band became hugely influential. R.E.M. were massive fans, helping to act as prominent cheerleaders for the group.
Singer Robyn Hitchcock went on to find cult success, while guitarist Kimberley Rew enjoyed huge chart hits with Katrina & The Waves. Now a new re-issue project will shed new light on those seminal recordings.
Debut album ‘A Can Of Bees’ and follow up ‘Underwater Moonlight’ are due to be re-released on Yep Roc Records. The Soft Boys will benefit from cleaned up sound, and a host of extras.
Available as a download, the extras contain some fascinating insights into how the band actually operated. Both records are considered classics, with Robyn Hitchcock describing their effect: “Big Star and us were the rickety bridge between the Byrds and REM”.
The Soft Boys reformed in 2001 for a short re-union tour, while Robyn Hitchcock recently released his new album ‘Propellor Time’. He has also appeared in several Jonathan Demme movies, most recently ‘Rachel Getting Married’.
The Soft Boys are set to re-issue ‘Underwater Moonlight’ and ‘A Can Of Bees’ on November 15th.
