Australian punk band Amyl and the Sniffers stopped by MGM Music Hall in Boston, kicking off the week with furious energy. Joining them on tour is noise rock duo Party Dozen.
Fans who gathered early got to experience the evening’s opener, Party Dozen, a unique duo comprised of saxophone and drums. The band’s stage energy was contagious, with a distinctive blend of rumbling drums and distorted sax and vocals. Their short but powerful performance set the mood for the rest of the evening, with a completely packed room filled with anticipation.
A large disclaimer was also displayed on the screen: Amyl and the Sniffers have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment and poor conduct, making it clear that the show would be a safe space for all fans to have a great time.
Amyl and the Sniffers frontwoman Amy Taylor emerged in a blue haze, kicking the evening off with “Control.” Taylor’s grip on the crowd would not let go for the rest of the night, as she often interacted with fans.
The band took over at full speed, hardly allowing for anyone to catch their breath; the stream of crowdsurfers was steady and intense throughout the night. With very little breaks, the band focused heavily on their most recent release, Cartoon Darkness, weaving in some of the group’s most loved classics.
Amy Taylor’s unapologetic defiance was as palpable as always, all with the brightest smile on her face: whenever she’d take a moment to address the crowd, she made sure to show how excited she was to be there, while being firm in her beliefs and sharing her unfiltered thoughts. In what would be a special highlight of the evening, Taylor would dedicate “Tiny Bikini” to the trans community, to the crowd’s unwavering support.
The night went by at a vertiginous speed, entirely immersed in the music; fans would go crazy with the first couple beats of every song, with “Security,” “Big Dreams” and “Some Mutts (Can’t Be Muzzled)” as strong favorites.
The band took a quick exit after the explosive “Hertz,” returning with “Got You.” “GFY” closed the show, fans screaming, middle fingers in the air. Amyl and the Sniffers’ raw energy continues to be a breath of fresh air in today’s rock scene, with a strong woman at the helm and an incredibly loving fanbase. This is an unbeatable combination for a hell of a time.
Photos and words by Maria Alejandra Mata.
Keep up with Amyl and the Sniffers: TikTok // Instagram // Website
