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Amyl and the Sniffers
Brixton Academy, London
POLITICAL, personal, punchy and right in your face, Australia’s Amyl and the Sniffers are fresh out of a coast to coast tour of the US and embarking on the European leg as they promote their own Aussie brand of punk rock, and latest album Comfort To Me.
Opening with No More Tears, the music harks back to ’70s punk/pub rock; it’s simple riffs with shouty lyrics over the top, but it works.
And the reason is lead singer Amy Taylor. She’s wrapped in the music, focused on her vocals, and her stage presence is commanding.
Whether prowling left to right, literally punching her way through tracks, or just having a blast, she is the centre of attention and has the audience totally rapt.
The music gets the mosh pit going, mixing Sleaford Mods, The Damned and Iggy Pop, but sparky lyrics and Taylor’s attitude take this to the next level.
Capital goes down a storm with its message raging how people are left on the outskirts of society without any help, while Security is sublime, delivered with gusto and abandon, and almost a new anthem for disaffected youth.
There’s almost no let up over the 20 track main set, Laughing, Don’t Fence Me In and GFY are other highlights, although in places it does seem that the formula is being repeated and Taylor’s voice is often a bit too low in the mix.
But her overall presence, enthusiasm, and continued shadow boxing means that the band retain their punch, you should feel drained after such a full on show, but instead the audience are energised and ready for more.
And that’s what they get.
The band come back for two more tracks. Got You ostensibly about being in a relationship could be a thanks to the audience, it’s followed by a cover of disco classic Born to Be Alive by Patrick Hernandez.
That’s an apt and positive end. Despite the anger, profanity and nihilism of the old — and new — punk scene there’s still hope for comfort, change and for the better and Amyl and the Sniffers seem happy to lead the way.
For UK dates, visit: amylandthesniffers.com/shows
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