bReview: Soft Bait at Double Whammy
Saturday 20 September 2025
Written by Zanoor Penny
Photography by Joel Armstrong
I was slightly nervous stepping into the unknown (the doors of Double Whammy). After a long day, I was tired, but I knew the show would be worth it. I had heard the gnarly guitar riffs of Soft Bait playing on 95bFM, but hadn’t properly listened to their music before. It became a conscious decision to go into this blind. Experiencing music for the first time is more powerful when you hear it live. I could fully immerse myself in it.
After bumping into everyones favourite 95bFM Breakfast hosts Rosetta and Milly, I headed inside the venue. My eyes adjusted, and I was greeted by the hypnotic atmosphere of the first opener, Stud Finder. They set the mood with their electronic funk vibes. They went from sultry to groovy, and I couldn’t help but have “A bit of a boogie”, as they said. They were the perfect start, setting the mood for the rest of the night.
From the moment Sulfate started playing, I could feel the bass in my chest. With intensity in his eyes, lead singer Peter Ruddell chanted the lyrics like a mantra. The lights were a striking contrast of red and blue. I could see the emotion and intensity from each of the band members. Looking at the crowd, I could see people headbanging all around me.
The crowd was revving to go as Soft Bait launched into their first song, Highly Recommended. I could feel the passion from the swelling crowd. The energy was so high that my body had no choice but to move along to the music. As they worked through the songs from their new album, I particularly enjoyed the song Long Line. I appreciate the way they tackle what could be complex topics, such as generational baggage, in such a blunt way. No nonsense, really.
During their final song New Leaf lead singer, Josh Hunter, got into the audience, he’s amongst the crowd as the last notes of the song ring out to thunderous applause, but sike, the song's not over yet! After a final crescendo, the song cuts off, and the crowd erupts in cheers. The band exited stage left.
A chant breaks out. “ONE MORE SONG”. The band reappeared. By that point, I admit I was quite tired, but the energy from the crowd had me enjoying the final song to the very end. “Because you're simply the best of us, round of applause”. This time it’s done for real.
Soft Bait’s latest album, ‘Life Advice’, was released this year on the 25th of July. It explores elements of Kiwi culture and provides commentary on modern society. I felt connected to their exploration of the somewhat mundane aspects of life.
I’m the type of person who tends to overthink the music I listen to day to day. I strictly curate a specific song for a specific mood. But the beauty of going to a gig like this, where I don’t quite know what to expect, is that I can just let go of the reins and enjoy the ride. I was easily lost in the atmosphere and was reminded of the power of live music.
95bFM 
