Kieran Webber
Director and Founder of CLUNK Magazine, CLUNK Events, and other CLUNK affiliate businesses. You’ll probably find me tucked away somewhere sending emails, listening to music, and creating content.
Amyl & The Sniffers solidify themselves as one of the greatest rock bands of the 21st century during their Roundhouse residency
On Friday 15th November we packed our bags to travel from Cornwall all the way to the big smoke to catch the second (of three) Amyl and The Sniffers performances at The Roundhouse. After a lengthy journey from the literal bottom of the country it was safe to say that we were gasping for some of that sweet rock n roll. Amyl & The Sniffers provided all we needed and more during their fiery performance, that left us reeling in angst and adoration for these Aussie rockers.
Opening the night was recent Domino signees Upchuck who came cascading out of Atlanta, USA. The band are a new yet ferocious band who are clearly eager to take their position on these larger stages. However, they still have a sound that is best enjoyed in a dark, dank, underground venue, the wide halls of The Roundhouse was almost to big to capture the bands unfiltered and raw energy. That being said, their post-hardcore/ Hardcore Punk sound was riotous fun with lead singer KT dominating the stage with her empowering presence and commanding vocals that would make Henry Rollins stand to attention. There sound has a rawness that is often not heard from in bands of today, it’s incredibly refreshing, and not to mention, overwhelming in the best way. It’s still early days for Upchuck but we’re confident that they’ll be dominating the airwaves in no time.
After a quick breakdown it was time for Amyl & The Sniffers, a band that had the entire Roundhouse breathing heavy with anticipation. The build up of energy was palpable and the band made everyone wait till the very last minute. At just over 5 minutes late, the band came out to huge cheers whilst ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’ played over the PA. Then runs out Amyl, adorned in a David Byrne-esque suit with two bangers on the front, it’s classic Amyl and we love her for it.
The band quickly burst into their opening song ‘Doing in Me Head’, without hesitation they flew into a frenzy, with Amyl jumping around the stage. It wasn’t long before I was struck by Amyl’s domination, she owns the very ground she walks on and has a confidence that pours out of her very soul. You cannot help but but look upon her with respectful adoration. She is incredibly powerful and her music fills a room like few others in the genre are able. Following this was ‘Pigs’ and ‘Do it Do It’, all three openers taken from their recent release ‘Cartoon Darkness’. It is after this that Amyl takes a quick political swipe at Donald Trump, saying “Fuck Donald Trump”, mentioning his stance on abortions and Trans rights and issues, following with “He can eat my arse, but not in a cute way”, the crowd erupts with a cheer and for a brief moment, we can all rejoice in a common hatred for this wotsit poundland fascist.
The set continued with a non stop barrage of the bands now growing catalogue, including hits such as ‘Security’, ‘Guided By Angels’, and ‘Hertz’. However, it is not all pedal to the metal as we get moments of reflective respite with ‘Knifey’ and ‘Big Dreams’.
I say this with no hesitation or sarcasm, Amyl is one of the greatest leads in a band in the 21st century, and the band as a whole are one of the greatest rock bands to walk this earth. Their show at the Roundhouse proved this. I entered the infamous Camden venue a fan but left a follower. No matter when the future of rock n roll is mentioned, if Amyl & The Sniffers are not mentioned, it is not a complete conversation. Along with contemporaries such as King Gizzard and Soft Play they are bringing a conscious level of songwriting that is complimented by a real ‘fuck you’, raw, and explosive energy.
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