Amyl & The Sniffers - 09.11.2024 @ Academy, Manchester

Credit for this page goes to: John Gilman

Punk rock has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, with bands like Soft Play and Bob Vylan reigniting the genre’s rebellious spirit and even iconic acts like The Sex Pistols rejoining the fray—now fronted by the enigmatic Frank Carter alongside the original trio of Matlock, Cook, and Jones. Yet, among the fresh wave of punk revivalists, few embody the raw, unfiltered ethos of punk more authentically than Amyl & The Sniffers. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, this four-piece powerhouse is redefining the genre with their ferocious energy, sharp wit, and a live performance that is nothing short of electrifying.

From the moment they stepped onto the stage at Manchester Academy, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation, and as soon as Amy Taylor launched into their opening number, “Doin’ Me Head,” it was clear the audience was in for an unforgettable night. Amy is a whirlwind of energy—snarling, spitting, and commanding the stage with the kind of presence that’s impossible to ignore. Her thick Aussie accent cuts through the air, adding a refreshing layer of authenticity to her razor-sharp lyrics. Backing her is a band of rock-solid musicians—Bryce Wilson on drums, Declan Martens on guitar, and Gus Romer on bass—who provide the perfect sonic foundation for her unrelenting performance.

Early in the set, “Some Mutts (Can’t Be Muzzled)” sent the crowd into a frenzy, with circle pits erupting and crowd surfers flying in every direction. The energy was palpable, and if anyone thought playing such a fan-favorite track early on would cause the set to lose momentum, they were sorely mistaken. Amyl & The Sniffers are masters of pacing, and the intensity only grew as the night went on. It’s a testament to their word-of-mouth reputation that they managed to sell out Manchester Academy within hours—without the backing of massive media coverage in the UK. This kind of grassroots buzz is rare in today’s music industry, but it’s easy to see why they’ve earned it.

The setlist drew heavily from their latest album, with 11 of the 13 tracks making an appearance. Far from feeling out of place, the new songs blended seamlessly with their older material, underscoring just how strong their latest release is. Even slower, more contemplative tracks like “Knifey,” which addresses the pressing issue of violence against women, maintained the relentless energy of the night. Amy’s candid commentary between songs only added to the experience, with her unapologetic attitude shining through. At one point, she declared, “Have no regrets—the bitch lived,” pointing to the slogan on her shirt and joking that it should be etched on her tombstone—and everyone else’s too.

It was also notable how few mobile phones were raised during the performance. In an era when gigs are often viewed through the lens of a phone screen, this was a refreshing change. Perhaps it was the chaotic mosh pits that made filming impractical, or maybe it was Amy’s magnetic presence that kept everyone rooted in the moment. Either way, it felt like a throwback to a time when live music was about connection, not content creation. That said, the debate over phones at gigs remains a divisive topic. While some argue that banning them, as bands like The The and Ghost have done, preserves the sanctity of the live experience, others appreciate having a few photos or videos to relive the memories. Tonight, however, living in the moment seemed to take precedence—and what a moment it was.

Blasting through a 22-song set in just 75 minutes, the band delivered a performance that was as tight as it was relentless. The sheer intensity made it feel like the perfect length; any longer, and the crowd might not have survived the onslaught. By the time they closed with “Balaclava Lover Boogie” and the aptly titled “GFY,” the room was a sea of battered, sweaty, but exhilarated fans.

As for our positions in the crowd? In football terms, I’d say I was advanced forward, while my mate Jimmy took up a pressing midfield role—though by the end, the mosh pit chaos had us both drifting somewhere between false nine and flat-out survival mode. We weren’t looking for trouble; we were looking for love. And tonight, Amyl & The Sniffers found plenty of it in Manchester.

With their undeniable momentum, it’s hard to imagine them playing smaller venues in the UK again. They’re destined for bigger stages and larger audiences, and it feels like it’s only a matter of time. Here’s hoping they don’t keep us waiting too long before they return—because after tonight, one thing is clear: Amyl & The Sniffers are the beating heart of modern punk, and they’re here to stay.

Set List;

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