Garage-punk foursome cement cult rockstar status with euphoric third album Cartoon Darkness.
Riding high off the back of mainstage sets at festivals like Primavera and Bearded Theory and sold-out tours across the globe, the expectation could not be higher for Aussie four-piece Amyl and The Sniffers. Their sophomore record Comfort to Me shot them into critical acclaim, a more mature offering than their debut exploring complex themes of gender with a sense of swagger and humour. The third album carries through frontwoman Amy Taylor’s signature brand of tongue-in-cheek humour, with first track ‘Jerkin’’ dragging you into Amyl and the Sniffers’ world like a friend pulling you into a mosh pit.
Joy runs throughout the album, lead single ‘Chewing Gum’ has Amy declaring she is “young and so dumb!” before a triumphant chant chorus of “I’m a winner!”. ‘Tiny Bikini’ borrows from fellow feminist icons Mannequin Pussy, adopting a Marilyn Monroe-esque lisp as Amy croons about her notorious scantily-clad outfits. But the shining moment comes from ‘It’s Mine’, a thunderous track with fuzzy, industrial basslines and hardcore sensibilities, showcasing what Amyl and the Sniffers do best: make noise.
Listening to Cartoon Darkness, it’s impossible to not become immersed in the world they create. Self-love is the thread that runs through this record, ethos adopted by the new punk generation like Soft Play and Idles.
And if that’s not enough, then their ferocious live energy might just do it for you.
Amyl & the Sniffers, Cartoon Darkness is out now on Rough Trade.
By Adam Taylor It’s time to post your top artists to show how cool and different you are. Spotify Wrapped for 2025 has finally dropped. This stat-loaded list of listening habits gets everyone excited, revealing top artists, songs, podcasts, music genres, and hours listened – which can be a bit concerning… Spotify adds new features…
Featured image: Suzy Hazelwood aAh! Magazine’s Literature and Creative Student Editors are delighted to announce our first online call for submissions for the 2025/26 academic year. This series invites creative writing students and visual artists to respond to the theme ‘Hometown’, offering the opportunity to showcase their work online. Manchester is a hometown for thousands, and simply…
Featured image and photography: Beck McNally Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield – a name that many Mancunian music-lovers will know well, died on 20 November this year. No official cause of death has been released to the public. The renowned bassist of The Stone Roses, and later Primal Scream, was a hugely influential musician – particularly in…
Featured image: Manchester City CouncilBy Adam Taylor and Amy Corringham Winter is approaching, but don’t let the cold and dark days stop you getting out and about – aAh! has gathered a selection of events for all budgets for you and your friends to enjoy. Get into the festival spirit with a variety of activities…
Leave a reply