The Soft Boys Members, Gear & Sound

English rock band

Genre

New Wave Alternative rock Power pop Post-punk Neo-psychedelia Art punk Jangle pop Punk uk post-punk neo-psychedelic proto-punk

Members

Select a The Soft Boys band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Robyn Hitchcock

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer

Groups:

Robyn Hitchcock & the Venus 3 Robyn Hitchcock and the Egyptians Robyn Hitchcock & Minus 3 The Hungry Moment Robyn Hitchcock & His LA Squires Big Star’s Third Nigel & the Crosses Four Croakers

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Kimberley Rew

Roles:

Composer

Groups:

Katrina and the Waves

No gear added

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Matthew Seligman

Roles:

Music Producer

Groups:

Thompson Twins Bruce Woolley & The Camera Club Radio Science Orchestra

No gear added

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Morris Windsor

Roles:

Singer Drummer

Groups:

Robyn Hitchcock & the Venus 3 Robyn Hitchcock and the Egyptians Nigel & the Crosses

No gear added

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Andy Metcalfe

Roles:

Bassist Music Producer

Groups:

Robyn Hitchcock and the Egyptians Nigel & the Crosses

No gear added

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Alan Davies
No gear added

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Rob Lamb
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Jim Melton

Roles:

Singer

No gear added

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About

The Soft Boys were a pioneering English band that emerged from Cambridge in 1976, standing out in the post-punk landscape with their distinctive blend of neo-psychedelia, art punk, and jangle pop. Founded by Robyn Hitchcock (vocals, guitar), the group initially featured Morris Windsor (drums), Andy Metcalfe (bass), and Alan Davies (guitar), who was later replaced by Kimberley Rew (guitar). With their debut album A Can of Bees and the influential follow-up Underwater Moonlight, The Soft Boys carved a niche by fusing the raw energy of punk with a quirky psychedelic sound, influencing future acts like R.E.M. and The Replacements.

How to Sound Like The Soft Boys

The Soft Boys' sound is characterized by its melodic yet angular guitar work, seamlessly blending crisp jangle pop tones with a psychedelic edge. Their music often features chiming, bright guitar lines, which can be attributed to the use of instruments like the Rickenbacker 360 Electric Guitar and Fender Telecaster. The band's arrangements are both dynamic and colorful, with layers of harmonic complexity and driving rhythms. To emulate their sound, focus on creating a balance between clarity and texture, utilizing guitars and effects that offer a shimmering, yet slightly off-kilter vibe, capturing the essence of their inventive approach to rock music.

Discography

A Can of Bees

1980

Underwater Moonlight

1980

Nextdoorland

2002

Get the The Soft Boys Sound

Want to sound like The Soft Boys? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.