Photo Credit: John Angus Stewart
When you mention the name Amyl and the Sniffers to anyone with little musical knowledge, the response is usually “Amyl who?” It was the name that attracted me to the band over two years ago when catching up with some Glastonbury sets from 2022 – seeing Amy Taylor perform for the first time, albeit on TV, was one of those moments not to forget. This was the beginning of my Sniffers obsession, and seeing them live at Glasgow’s Barrowland in 2022 will live long in the memory.
The Australian quartet have just released their third studio album Cartoon Darkness via Rough Trade Records, and we think it’s their best yet – who says punk is dead? The album was recorded at the Foo Fighters’ Studio 606 in California and the production is first class from Nick Laughey – there is a real sense of maturity with this release, in comparison to 2019’s self-titled debut and 2021’s Comfort To Me. Exploring a wide range of topics, including the climate crisis, war and AI, Taylor explains “Cartoon Darkness is driving head first into the unknown, into this looming sketch of the future that feels terrible, but doesn’t even exist yet.”
For anyone who hasn’t listened to Amyl and the Sniffers they don’t hold back, and first track Jerkin’ proves that point. The Sniffers are known for their self-expression, as they have shown previously with tracks such as GFY and Freaks To The Front. This is a no holds barred album, perhaps not for the easily offended! Recently released alongside an X-rated video, Jerkin’ opens explosively with the lines “You’re a dumb c*nt, You’re an a**hole/Every time you talk you mumble, grumble/Need to wipe your mouth after you speak cuz it’s an a*hole.” You might be glad to know that this is the worst it gets. Musically it’s a ferocious start as guitarist Declan Martens, bassist Gus Romer and drummer Bryce Wilson all work so hard making this one of the best on the album.
Next up is Chewing Gum, another early release and one that will surely get the mosh pits going on the band’s upcoming tour. Tiny Bikini reminds us of Dire Straits‘ 1980s track Money For Nothing, as Martens once again shows his class on the guitar. Big Dreams is, for us, the best track on the album. It’s a move away from the Sniffers’ normal punk rock style, as Taylor commands the vocals with great style. It portrays as a very optimistic and uplifting song, well it does for us anyway, with statement lyrics such as: “You got them big dreams, you gotta get out of here.” The LP continues with It’s Mine, one minute 37 seconds of pure punk music that will rock your socks off – some of the guitar riffs from Martens are top drawer.
Motorbike Song is ready made for the band’s live setlist and opens with more explosive lyrics: “I wanna ride you like a Harley D/You got the intelligence and ya yearn for me.” The album continues with Doing In Me Head, which immediately pulls you in with Martens’ guitar riffs working well alongside Taylor’s vocals. Pigs is another one that will be well received by the crowds in a live setting – the combination of thrashing guitars, bass and drums make this a track we’ll keep going back to.
Bailing On Me is a chance for Taylor to showcase the more mellow side of her vocals, it works well as the signature rasp disappears. It’s back to normal service for U Should Not Be Doing That, the first single from the album and a standout statement – we’re so excited to hear this one live. There are almost ska elements to Do It Do It, a nice head-bopping track, and Going Somewhere once again sees Taylor change her vocal chord range, proving her class as the band leader. We are now sadly down to the last track of thirteen, with Me And The Girls. It’s a great end to the album, with the addition of a distorted wobble board adding a nice homegrown feel to the song.
Cartoon Darkness is the number one album of the year for me and the band’s sold-out tour can’t come quick enough.
10/10
Standout Tracks: Jerkin’, Big Dreams, U Should Not Be Doing That
For Fans Of: Lambrini Girls, Mannequin Pussy, Viagra Boys
Written by: Alan Brown
