WORDS AND IMAGES PAUL EVANS
Known for their explosive, high-energy shows, few bands can electrify a stage quite like Melbourne-based Amyl and the Sniffers. Fronted by the relentless and charismatic Amy Taylor the band’s live performances are an experience in themselves. Amy’s fierce, unpredictable stage presence, combined with the relentless energy of Romer, Wilson, and Martens creates an atmosphere that’s both thrilling and cathartic. With Amy’s fierce, bold, and unapologetic vocals at the forefront, Amyl and the Sniffers should be praised for their fearless approach to music and the sense of freedom and authenticity they bring to the stage. In a time when many artists chase commercial success or follow industry trends, the band’s music stands out for its unabashed directness and DIY ethos. Manchester Academy is famous for hosting high-energy performances and is packed tight from wall to wall tonight as it awaits a relentless setlist of raw, unapologetic tracks that capture the spirit of punk rock.
The crowd erupts in deafening cheers, their excitement reaching fever pitch. A quick announcement of “if people fall down, pick them up” and “don’t touch people that don’t want to be touched” from Amy and we’re launched straight into “Doing in Me Head”. The fast-paced guitar riffs and pounding drums set the tone for the evening. Amy’s energy is intense as she prowls the stage, snarling lyrics with fierce passion. The audience responds immediately, shouting back lyrics as bodies move frenetically in the pulsating crowd before the band slams headfirst into “Freaks to the Front”. It’s a rallying cry for misfits with Amy’s stage presence magnetic as the chorus reverberates and sets the Academy on fire in a wave of collective empowerment. With barely a pause, “Some Mutts (Can’t Be Muzzled)” blasts from the stage, Amy’s vocals cutting through the frenzy with an intensity that feels visceral, amplifying the song’s sense of rebellious determination as fans scream back each line.
Showcasing the band’s ability to balance sheer intensity with rhythmic complexity, “Do It Do It” keeps the crowd moving and as Taylor shouts the lyrics with all her might, the entire venue seems to shake with waves of fans bouncing and colliding as if controlled by the beat itself. This continues with “Security”, the lyrics “I’m not looking for trouble, I’m looking for love” connecting deeply with the audience as the song tears through them. The track’s defiance is mirrored in the atmosphere as fans throw their arms in the air, chanting every line with fervour providing a moment of collective music cleansing.
“Knifey” shifts the tone, as Taylor’s raw and vulnerable lyrics address themes of safety and autonomy before “Bailing on Me” returns to gritty punk. Amy prowls the stage, embodying the pure essence of punk reminding everyone why Amyl and the Sniffers have become icons of the genre. “Maggot”, “Motorbike Song” and “Chewing Gum” take the concert to another level of intensity. “Maggot” is a gritty, raw display of punk ferocity, “Motorbike Song” brings a fresh surge of adrenaline to the crowd, and “Chewing Gum” is playful, the audience reveling in the fun of Amy’s irreverent lyrics.
Band Members:
Amy Taylor – Vocals
Bryce Wilson – Drums
Declan Mehrtens – Guitar
Gus Romer – Bass
The energy in the room is electric, a testament to the strong connection between the band and their fans and the band doesn’t miss a beat. “Big Dreams” delivers a message of resilience with Amy’s conviction unmistakable as she sings about ambition and staying true to oneself. “Pigs” unleashes a torrent of punk rage full of snarling vocal intensity. The song’s confrontational tone and relentless rhythm turned the floor into a storm of movement, with fans throwing themselves into the music with unbridled enthusiasm.
“Balaclava Lover Boogie” and “GFY” close out the set. “Balaclava Lover Boogie” is seductive and gritty. Taylor’s intense performance and the band’s tight musicianship holding the audience captivated, creating a powerful atmosphere that has everyone mesmerised. “GFY” is raucous and unapologetic perfectly encapsulating the nights spirit. The crowd scream the chorus back as if in one final act of rebellion before the night ends.
As Amyl and the Sniffers continue to grow, they have established themselves as a band committed to the raw spirit of punk while evolving their sound and pushing their boundaries. Their influence on the modern music scene is significant. Amy is an icon of empowerment, representing an authentic, raw energy rarely seen on stage. Her no-holds-barred approach to self-expression, paired with the band’s perfect, loud, gritty sound has made her a role model for fans who identify with her authenticity and unapologetic spirit. In a time when authenticity and rawness can feel rare in music, Amyl and the Sniffers have given Manchester a night that reminds everyone why punk will never die. Their performance tonight has been a celebration of defiance, resilience and the power of music to bring people together.
SETLIST:
1/ Doing in Me Head
2/ Freaks to the Front
3/ Some Mutts (Can’t Be Muzzled)
4/ Do It Do It
5/ Security
6/ Guided by Angels
7/ Knifey
8/ Bailing on Me
9/ Maggot
10/ Motorbike Song
11/ Chewing Gum
12/ Got You
13/ Big Dreams
14/ Pigs
15/ Me and The Girls
16/ Tiny Bikini
17/ U Should Not Be Doing That
18/ Facts
19/ Jerkin’
20/ Hertz
21/ Balaclava Lover Boogie
22/ GFY
FOLLOW AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS ONLINE:
I’ve loved music since forever. Graphic designer, photographer and artist at painted.papillon.smile (www.ppsdesign.co.uk)
