The Soft Spot by Pete Haycock's Climax: A Bluesy Pop Rock Gem That Deserves Another Spin
Let’s cut to the chase—1986 wasn’t exactly a golden year for groundbreaking albums. Synth-pop was hogging all the limelight, hair metal dudes were busy shredding their way into oblivion, and then there was The Soft Spot. Released under Bellaphon and Ride On Records in Germany, this little nugget of bluesy pop rock slipped through the cracks like an awkward teenager at prom night. But let me tell ya, it’s got more charm than your average ‘80s cheese-fest.
Pete Haycock wears about six hats here—guitarist, vocalist, harmonica player, producer, songwriter… you name it. He even roped in some Dangerous Sisters (backing vocals) to add that extra oomph. And while the whole album has its moments, two tracks really stuck with me after giving it a proper spin—or three.
First up is “(Give Me Back My) Honey.” This one grabs you by the collar right from the opening riff. It’s punchy, groovy, and just brimming with attitude. Livingstone Brown lays down some killer basslines, while Pete Thompson keeps things tight on drums. The chorus is sticky sweet (pun totally intended), but what seals the deal are those gritty harmonica solos courtesy of Haycock himself. Imagine sitting in a smoky dive bar where everyone suddenly starts nodding along to the same tune—that’s this song. You can practically smell the stale beer and feel the floor vibrating underfoot.
Then there’s “Tell Me That You Want Me,” which flips the vibe entirely. If “Honey” is the rowdy cousin who crashes parties, this track is the smooth-talking uncle whispering secrets over whiskey sours. Geoff Castle’s keyboard work adds layers of silky texture, and Haycock’s voice takes center stage with a mix of vulnerability and swagger. Sure, the lyrics aren’t gonna win any Pulitzer Prizes, but they don’t need to—they hit you right in the feels without trying too hard. By the second verse, I found myself humming along like an old friend had walked into the room.
Now, I won’t lie—the rest of the album doesn’t always reach these heights. Tracks like “Big Fish” and “Voodoo Lady” lean heavily into ‘80s production tropes, complete with shimmering synths courtesy of Chris Gumbley. They’re fun enough, but they lack the raw edge that makes the standout songs so memorable. Still, it’s clear Haycock poured his heart into this project. Even the liner notes shout out Joachim Kalusche as executive producer, because apparently someone needed to keep all these wild talents in check.
Here’s the kicker: despite being released in Germany, The Soft Spot feels oddly universal. Maybe it’s the timeless tug-of-war between love, longing, and life’s messy bits. Or maybe it’s just Pete Haycock reminding us that sometimes you gotta embrace your soft spots instead of hiding them. Either way, it’s a solid listen if you’re into blues-tinged rock with a dash of pop polish.
So yeah, give this one a shot. Turn it up loud, let Livingstone Brown’s basslines rattle your speakers, and try not to grin when Haycock blows into that harmonica like he owns the damn thing. Who knows? Maybe 1986 wasn’t such a bad year after all. Just don’t blame me if you end up craving honey—and whiskey—by the end of it.
