Amyl and The Sniffers live in London review: Aussie punk anthems ignite moshpits at Alexandra Palace
Amyl and The Sniffers took London's Ally Pally by storm with their raucous punk rock show.
Despite cutting their teeth playing pubs in Melbourne and, when it comes to London, the intimate 200-capacity Shacklewell Arms back in 2019, Amyl and The Sniffers’ ascension to massive stages like Alexandra Palace does not seem to have phased them at all.
Arriving in the British capital in celebration of the first anniversary of their latest album, Cartoon Darkness, the Aussie four-piece make light work of the 10,000-capacity venue on Saturday night (25.10.25).
In fact, vocalist Amy Taylor, guitarist Declan ‘Dec’ Mehrtens, bassist Gus Romer, and drummer Bryce Wilson look right at home in front of the mixed-age crowd (many of whom sport the band’s merch).
They work the room with ease as ferocious riffs and pounding drumbeats fill the cavernous space.
Of course, the star of the show is snarling front-woman Amy Taylor, who brings tireless energy to every song.
Filmed by a videographer who has a job keeping up with her as she bounces around, flashing pink strobes illuminate her blonde curls, red sparkling corset, and tights.
Not only does she look like a star, but she is a champion for the everyday person, too. Three songs in, Taylor encourages the audience to continue speaking up about climate change, Palestine, and mining; later, she delivers an impassioned message in support of the trans community.
The setlist itself is packed with fan favourites from across the group’s decade-long career: Chewing Gum bursts with confidence, Doing In Me Head is a fist-pumping anthem, the screams in the middle of Some Mutts (Can’t Be Muzzled) are full of aggression, U Should Not Be Doing That sends pints flying and Security becomes a crowd-surfing singalong.
Behind the bravado, however, several songs deliver a poignant message, including Knifey, which Taylor dedicates to “anyone who’s been through it”, poignantly adding, “and you know exactly what I’m talking about”.
Just like that, an hour and 15 minutes has zipped by in a flash – all that’s left is for a faultless encore of the cathartically filthy Jerkin and equally expletive-filled GFY.
By the end of the night, two things are undeniable: Amy Taylor is the coolest rockstar of this generation, and she and The Sniffers - who will soon join rock legends AC/DC at stadiums back in Australia - are the best punk band on the planet.
Rating: 5/5
