Words and Image by Jack Foley
Amyl nitrite is a five-carbon organic solvent commonly used recreationally as an inhalant. Formulations are often sold under monikers such as RUSH – which is precisely how I would describe the performance served by Amyl and the Sniffers.
Waiting in the line down the block, I was surprised to see so many older punks in line. As we get fed through the entrance, the faint smell of stale Black N Mild, stale cannabis, and Miller Highlife hits me; punks of all ages in denim vests have all come to experience the prowess of renowned Australian punks Amyl and the Sniffers. As people are herded into the pit, people take turns guessing where the first moshing will
happen — ”newsflash, it’s right here,” I think to myself. Die Spitz takes the stage and the first chord rings out, their voices washed out by feedback. Immediately joints are sparked by local hardcore kids and the pit opens up. The vocals are akin to grunge icon Courtney Love on
Hole’s Celebrity Skin LP, with the more traditional punk sound of riot grrrl bands such as Bikini Kill or Lunachicks. Soon enough, bodies and mohawks are airborne. I feel the urge to join the fun, but I’m still healing from a broken leg earlier this year. Die Spitz are an act I would certainly recommend to anyone who is a fan of the work of Hole, Suicidal Tendencies, and Nirvana’s Bleach LP. Clearly there’s talent to be found in Austin, Texas. Their interaction with the crowd went so far as to dancing on the bar counter adjacent to the stage, going into the audience. They feel the music and return the energy the audience gives. I look forward to hearing and the work they produce in the future.
Amy Taylor of Amyl and the Sniffers, as a performer, is hard to match. Her charisma and stage presence are originally what drew me out to the show. The band rushes on stage and immediately begins with “Control.” As the second song, “Freaks To The Front,” began, I found myself getting sucked into the mosh pit. The air may have been hot and the people sweaty, but the energy was enough to help overcome these hurdles. Songs such as GFY, Guided by Angels, and Choices show that energy truly is their currency. Amy starts doing push ups and flailing, so as to get every ounce of energy out of her, but she keeps going with unwavering
effort showing no signs of stopping. After an endless stream of crowd surfers and antics, the show comes to a close. Amy introduces the last song, “Knifey,” and someone starts climbing the rafters and trying to fight the sound people, as well as the older crowd, before getting kicked
out—she’s not making it to work tomorrow. I eavesdrop on a group of elder punks as I take down my final notes near the entrance, “the kids are alright,” they say.
Amyl and the Sniffers are some of the most outstanding performers I’ve had the pleasure of seeing, and anyone who enjoys punk rock of any flavor is bound to have the time of their life at one of their shows.
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