While the rest of the world is just discovering UK punk sensations and critic’s darlings, IDLES, Amyl and the Sniffers are primed to be the next unexpected force to be reckoned with.
The words Aussie and punk aren’t mentioned very often in the same sentence, so one would wonder how in the hell a punk band from Australia gets it so right. They’ve got the look, the attitude, and now the anthems to boot. With the buzz they have across Europe, and especially how they have been embraced in London, you might even think they were locals.
On the second night of two sold-out gigs at the north London institution The Electric Ballroom, Amyl and the Sniffers brought out both old and new punks. Singer Amy Taylor with her signature look, along with the rest of the band—including the resurgence of the mullet—have certainly impacted the minds of the fans and their fashion sense.
From the DIY outfits to several tributes to Amy’s fringe, to the pissed mates’ in the smoking lounge with their glorified mullets, this isn’t just another gig; it’s a movement. A resurgence of the classic punk look and feel marries perfectly to the aggressive sounds and potent lyrics. It’s as much of a statement as it is a reflection of the public’s appetite for a band that stands for something in a world where people need something to align with. It felt like a trip back in time to the late ’70s when punk ruled London.
The crowd was greeted with a smiling frontwoman as Amy took to the stage, and you could immediately feel that she was delighted to be there, and the connection with the fans was immediate. That smiling quickly turned to fury as the band tore into their set, all guns a-blazing. Is this what becomes of a band that’s been in lockdown for nearly two years? I was immediately reminded of the late great Wendy O’ Williams of the Plasmatics with Amy’s onstage presence and energy. Still, I also couldn’t rule out a bit of Patti Smith’s rebellious attitude, especially in their lyrics.
The songs are straightforward and get right to the point with an overarching theme of standing up for yourself without being questioned or pressured to apologize in a world of cancel culture. It’s very reminiscent of when punk was coming of age and solidifying its persona in the late ’70s and early ’80s. “I’m not looking for trouble, looking for love” is simple yet brilliant when it’s turned into an anthem.
“Security,” “Guided By Angels,” “Don’t Need a Cunt (Like You to Love Me),” and “Maggot” were the highlights for me, but to be fair, there was something for everyone across this 19 song, pulverizing set. While it’s easy to pigeonhole this band as punk, Amyl and the Sniffers are carving out their path while giving a big middle finger salute to anyone who tries to restrict them.
Navigating through the jam-packed ballroom wasn’t easy; my camera took a pretty good hit from the crowd. Hence the lack of a full-on TVD Live Shots review as my lens was fucked.
There’s something to be said for the slow burn bands that keep grinding along, building an audience, and popping up again and again in all the right places. Amyl and the Sniffers are that band for me. Since moving to London, I’ve seen and heard their name at every turn. Even with the band hailing from a country with one of the most strict lockdown protocols, they’ve seemingly managed to come out unscathed and even stronger. Get this one on vinyl as it sounds massive and brings that classic punk buzz to another level.
