Returning to Bristol under her stage name Soccer Mommy, American singer-songwriter Sophia Regina Allison steps onstage with a wry introduction: “We are Soccer Mommy, this is my band” — a line that playfully blurs the lines between solo artist and group identity.
Soccer Mommy’s laidback style of grunge-rock can feel dreamy and calm in its recorded state and it can be a challenge to bring that sort of sound into bigger rooms for a live show. Fortunately, tonight’s audience are already converted; there’s a queue around the corner before doors open (causing some confusion for those attending the YT show across the road) and many are either wearing Soccer Mommy t-shirts or immediately queue at the merch desk to buy them.
Opening song, “Abigail”, perfectly sets the tone for the show that follows. There’s a gentle, meditative vibe to the gig; it feels less like Soccer Mommy is performing to us and more like she is playing music alongside us.
“Circle the Drain”, one of her strongest songs, expertly channels the ’90s mid-tempo alternative rock sound she often leans into. It wouldn’t feel out of place alongside Liz Phair, Sheryl Crow, or The Sundays. It’s a standout moment — and, surprisingly, one of only two tracks from its parent album “Color Theory” in the set, the other being a similarly compelling rendition of “Royal Screw Up.”
Half of the set comes from her latest LP, “Evergreen”, which was released last year with almost the entire record being played. Singles “M” and “Lost” are particularly well-received tonight.
The crowd are appropriately attentive; some gently mouthing lyrics but never breaking into full sing-a-long. Even the applause between songs is polite and it really seems like artist and audience are on the same wavelength. Sophia does occasionally address the audience like when she asks the audience where everyone was going tonight (nobody responded) or shyly thanking those shouting out “we love you, Soph”.
Tracks like “Bones” and “Shotgun” from “Sometimes, Forever” really stand out as more anthemic and the bigger choruses inject variation into a self-assured set.
Of course, big cheers erupt for songs from her breakthrough album, “Clean”, with a solo acoustic version of “Still Clean” and an atmospheric “Your Dog” clearly popular with attendees.
While the show never builds to a euphoric climax, its subdued pacing seems intentional — a reflection of Soccer Mommy’s preference for introspective mood over crowd-pleasing theatrics.
Four albums in, Soccer Mommy has a clear, defined sound and aesthetic which she rarely deviates from. She knows what music she wants to make and she plays it straight-down-the-line to an audience who want exactly that.
