If modern punk rock has a name, it’s Amyl and the Sniffers. That’s the way it seemed Tuesday, May 13, at Cleveland’s Agora Theater, when the band turned the venue into a punk rock haven. The Melbourne-based group is currently on tour promoting their 2024 album ‘Cartoon Darkness.’ Known for their raw energy and unapologetic performances, they did not disappoint, delivering a night that was both electrifying and unforgettable.
Philly’s own Sheer Mag opened. Their blend of classic rock and punk set the tone for the night. Their gritty guitar and powerful vocals warmed up the crowd. They gave off definite 80s vibes, with catchy riffs and a beat you could bounce to. A standout was lead singer Christina Halladay’s vocal range, which switched surprisingly from gritty and raspy to wonderfully harmonic verse to verse.
Then, Amyl and the Sniffers took the stage. Lead singer Amy Taylor supported a solo cup in each hand with her tongue out as far as it would go. The crowd went wild. The band immediately launched into a high-octane set that had the audience in a frenzy, with “Control” and one of my personal favorites, “Security,” as the first two songs.
Taylor is known for her high energy and magnetic stage presence, and man, did she deliver.. She’s so much fun to watch, like charisma manifested in human form. She’s intimidating and inviting at the same time, dancing wildly, flinging her hair back and forth, thrashing about, smiling the entire time. She had the audience in the palm of her hand. Her frenetic movements and fierce vocals embodied the spirit of punk. The crowd responded with unbridled enthusiasm, moshing and singing along to every word.
The band’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment was evident as well, with signs posted around the venue emphasizing their zero-tolerance policy for harassment and discrimination. One of the first things Taylor mentioned when she came on stage was not touching people who didn’t want to be touched. The dedication to respect and safety allowed fans to fully immerse themselves in the experience without reservation, which probably needs to be said/done at more concerts.
Taylor is also known not to shy away from taking political stances on stage, something that has caused people online to complain. “I’m going to talk about politics for two seconds,” she said. Then went on to call Trump a racist moron and Netanyahu a war criminal, eliciting cheers from the crowd. The even bigger cheer came when she addressed the fact that other bands have asked her why she was politically outspoken on stage, and she said she had to be, because she had a microphone.
Musically, the band was tight and relentless. Drummer Bryce Wilson and bassist Gus Romer provided a thunderous rhythm section, while guitarist Declan Mehrtens delivered searing riffs that cut through the mix. Taylor’s vocals were both raw and emotive, capturing the angst and defiance that define the band’s sound. The energy never waned, with each song delivered with the same intensity as the last.
The band tore through a setlist that spanned their discography, including tracks from ‘their latest album, ‘Cartoon Darkness,’ such as “U Should Not Be Doing That,” “Chewing Gum,” and “Jerkin’.” These new songs showcased the band’s evolution, blending their signature punk sound with more nuanced themes and melodies. The band has grown into a punk rock powerhouse quickly. Just seven years ago, they were playing the tiny Happy Dog stage. One wonders what a show on such a tiny stage for a band like this would look like. It’s hard to imagine them ever not being on a big stage.
The set was a visceral experience that encapsulated the spirit of modern punk rock. Their unapologetic energy, combined with musical maturity, solidified their status as a formidable force in the contemporary music scene.
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