The Soap Girls: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
The SoapGirls were back in Brighton! A busy Prince Albert on a Big Blue Shed promotion night. These guys are comfortable in their own skin, and therefore there is matching natural skin photography on this page. They court controversy and as an all female fronted band they choose to sometimes play topless. They are a good punk rock and roll outfit, with some cracking tunes and the sizeable crowd was a mix of genders and ages. Some had traveled from Hastings as that gig had been cancelled and they wanted to see the band play.
The SoapGirls
“The SoapGirls: Armed with unforgettable melodies and catchy choruses, The SoapGirls energy, rawness and authenticity live, has earned them a formidable reputation. Performing continuously throughout 2017, these fearless French born sisters Millie and Mie, have slayed critics and earned a dedicated group of followers known as the ‘The SoapSuds’, who follow the band across the UK and Europe. The SoapGirls are society’s rejects and their punk credentials were rubber stamped by scintillating performances at the legendary Rebellion Festival last year and such was the their success that they were asked back to play the Blackpool event again in 2018. The SoapGirls write outsider anthems that are androgynous, audacious and straight from the heart.”
Band Members
Noemie Debray; Camille Debray
SoapGirls: Camille Debray – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Camille on bass guitar, vocals and body contortions.
The SoapGirls: Noemie Debray – photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Noemie on guitar and vocals.
I had managed a few words with Noemie pre set as The SoapGirls have been in the audience pretty much all night, they were covered up pre set and they were attracting attention from the fans and they replied to the attention with lots of smiles and a genuine warmth and sense of care for them. But, I have to say they were in the room to watch and support the other bands on the itinerary and that always gets a tick in the box from me.
The Set
No need to check for a setlist as Camille was wearing it! She had the songs written all over her body. I have to give a shout and a mention to their drummer, Sam. He put on a fab line of percussion whilst trying to keep an eye on what was happening and being the target of some banter on stage. Speaking to him after the gig he laughed and said it was all part of the job! A brilliant drummer with his long hair, Sam matched the band by going topless also. He really did work hard. Well played.
Societies Reject was up first, after the band received a healthy warm welcome to the stage.
The intriguing and mesmerising performance from these two will pull you in with lyrics that entice, worth listening to and are thoroughly entertaining. But, let me assure you these grrrrls know how to play. On Hater, Sams On Crack, Johnny Rotten and Party in Hell the punk and garage sounds fuse and come together in a joyous mix of riffs, bass and drums.
Between the songs we heard from Camille as she conveyed their strong messages of anti bullying, anti cruelty to animals, anti establishment, their home country of South Africa, the appalling situation of the homeless, and, how you should be allowed to be yourself, do what you want and importantly live your life. During one interlude someone shouted from the back of the venue and was was dealt with very quickly!
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- Noemie on guitar and vocals.
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- Noemie on guitar and vocals.
Other songs in a full on hour and 20 minute set included Bury Me and Step Outside. Vocal duties for the set in the main were carried out by Camille, and Noemie also took the lead. Camille also undertook some serious gymnastic contortions bending over, leaping and pulling off some fine rock poses with her bass. Many of the fans at The Albert knew every song and and managed to sing along and dance to every song. These guys had generated quite an atmosphere tonight and was clearly enjoyed by everyone.
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- Camille on bass, vocals and gymnastics!
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- Camille on bass, vocals and gymnastics!
All in all I have to say this had been a most enjoyable set. I had not seen The SoapGirls before but would go see them again. The set was full of top songs and music. I guess any band that manages to press the buttons of tabloids and those with sensitive views with strong messages and points of view will always shake thing up. Music has always done that. There are plenty of on-stage theatrics to keep you focused, with the music, and every once in a while the sisters broke up the flow of the set to mock each other and also involving the drummer as a target! It was all in good humour, not sure if it was all pre-scripted, but that didn’t matter. It was fun and gave the sisters more stage time.
Bad Bitch heralded the beginning of the end. A storming track. The SoapGirls invited a few members of the crowd on stage to join in with the chorus. Brilliant. The SoapGirls totally delivered a great kick ass punk/grunge/rock show.
The SoapGirls and guests! photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
I was lucky to spend some time with the band after the set. We chatted about Hastings and how they hoped to get back there to play some day. We talked about the music and the tour as they head off on a massive tour across Europe. They will be back in the UK towards the end of the year with gigs and festival appearances. The nudity, well it’s their choice, it’s their skin and they can do what they like I guess. The crowd accepted and welcomed their choice and enjoyed the set. I don’t believe it is used for titillation, its what they are comfortable in/with and what they want to do, and perhaps some are missing the point. I saw one headline advertising this gig where the word “saucy” was used – wrong! This show is not saucy and neither is the band. We all have nipples! As they said if you don’t like it, you can go to the bar. I was chatting with them after the show and they didn’t bat an eye lid, and neither did I. It was a natural, awkwardness free conversation. They chatted with fans and even after a lengthy set were happy to pose for selfies and pics. They were friendly, warm, funny, approachable and a delight to speak with. I had a kiss on the cheek and we said farewell.
The Soap Girls: Photo by Ian Bourn for Scene Sussex
Why you should see The SoapGirls? Well, they are a good band. They have the talent, personas, stage presence, activities and, importantly, they have the songs to pull it off and put on a great show. Go and check them out on their UK tour when they return to the UK. The SoapGirls tonight reminded us that music can still be straight to the point, efficient, honest and exciting.
Scene Sussex is not taking part in any online arguments or discussion involving this band. We take no-ones side on what the band decide to wear, that is down to the band. This is a report and write up of the gig only.
The Big Blue Shed had placed two guest slots, first up was Brightons newest punk super-group – Penny Blood. They were followed by MC’s and rappers Uncle Peanut and Here Are The Young Men. Both great additions to the bill!
Penny Blood – put on a top, gutsy rock and roll assault for our listening pleasure. These guys are worth seeing in their own right.
MC’s and rappers Uncle Peanut and Here Are The Young Men – hilarious, satirical and at times edgy and biting lyrics and raps to some storming tunes.
The SoapGirls are on Facebook
The SoapGirls are on the WWW
The night was hosted by The Big Blue Shed, love these guys. They love what they do and bring great artists to great venues across the region – and they are on Facebook
Please note all original images / video are copyright, please do not copy. If any of the featured artists/promoters/venues want copies of the images – or more if available – please just get in touch.
All original pictures / video – copyright to IANB/MEDIA WORKS/ SCENE SUSSEX – Ian “The Lens” Bourn 2018.
Got an event coming up? Need some gig photography, promo shots, previews or reviews? – please get in touch! See you down the front – come and say “hi!”