Coachella 2025: Recap of Sunday’s notable performances includes U.K. punk duo Soft Play
Sunday afternoons at the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival hold a unique charm, following the intense excitement of the first two days in the desert. As people meandered slowly towards the gates around 3 p.m., one can’t help but sense the collective exhaustion lingering in the air. However, maybe what everyone needs is a dose of high-octane punk rock to kickstart their energy.
The U.K. punk duo, consisting of Bobby and Bobbie Vylan, captivated the crowd at Sonora with their fierce set centered on themes of combating racism, fascism, and income inequality. Songs like “We Live Here,” “Hunger Games,” and “I Heard You Want Your Country Back” had fans chanting along, immersing themselves entirely in the duo’s punk anthems.
Subsequently, another British punk duo, Soft Play, took over the Sonora tent, delivering their signature heavy music with a touch of groove that left the audience head-bopping along. Isaac Holman and Laurie Vincent’s relentless energy and lively banter with the crowd made for an entertaining performance. The climax of their set was a collaboration with Bob Vylan, where they collectively performed “One More Day Won’t Hurt,” igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, Meute, a techno marching band from Germany, commanded the Outdoor Stage with infectious brass-and-percussion renditions of techno classics, prompting the audience to groove along in the sun. Despite the sweltering heat, the 11 band members, draped in red wool band jackets, exuded pure joy, further enhancing the overall experience for attendees.
For those seeking refuge from the scorching weather, the Sonora Tent was the place to be, where Wisp captivated fans with a mesmerizing shoegaze set featuring distortion-heavy guitars and ethereal vocals. The set included riveting tracks like “Your Face” and “Enough For You,” offering the audience a glimpse into her evolving music journey.
Not far away, the Canadian indie band Beaches entertained a packed Gobi Tent with their sparkling stage presence and playful lyrics, culminating in their infectious song “Blame Brett,” which had everyone singing in unison. Over at the Coachella Mainstage, Shaboozey took the audience on a visual journey with his enchanting desert-themed stage production, performing both new and fan-favorite tracks with precision and flair.
As the sun began to set, beabadoobee graced the Coachella stage with her floral-inspired setup, transporting fans to a dreamy aesthetic with her ’90s-infused sound. Tracks like “Pretty Eyes” showcased her airy and captivating vocals, enchanting the audience with her serene stage presence, marking the perfect end to a memorable Sunday at Coachella.