Evening Times
April 5, 2001
Old Hitchcock Thriller Returns
by Debbie Moore
Not every band can say their music has influenced the mighty R.E.M.. But The Soft Boys can justifiably make such a claim. Formed in 1976 by singer-guitarist Robyn Hitchcock, they made a big impression on the industry. Their 1980 album, Underwater Moonlight, still counts among Hitchcock's finest achievements. The album is said to have launched a whole flock of bands, among them R.E.M., who claim it as a prime influence on their music. Unfortunately, it was also the final album The Soft Boys released while they were still together. After their split, in 1981, there were a few more releases, and re-releases. The bandmembers went their separate ways and one of them, Kimberley Rew, went on to join Katrina And The Waves and wrote the classic "Going Down To Liverpool", later covered by The Bangles. Meanwhile, Robyn Hitchcock continued making a name for himself with his singing and songwriting career. He now has 15 albums to his credit. Now, like Roxy Music and numerous other once-dead bands, The Soft Boys have re-formed for a tour this year to coincide with the re-release of Underwater Moonlight after 21 years. They'll be stopping off at The Garage on Tuesday April 24, with the same lineup they had all those years ago -- Hitchcock, Kimberley Rew on guitar, Morris Windsor on drums, and Matthew Seligman on bass. The Soft Boys will perform their classic songs in front of fans old and new. They've just participated in a U.S. showcase for Matador Records which included a performance from our very own Mogwai -- so they're not just for the oldies!
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