AMYL & THE SNIFFERS

Cartoon Darkness (Rough Trade)

Much-loved Aussie punk provocateurs Amyl & The Sniffers return with another explosive release: third album Cartoon Darkness expels their raw, rebellious signature sound while batting against obstacles. While Chewing Gum celebrates the rebellion that comes with youth, opener Jerkin’ likely rattles against tall poppy syndrome, that frustrating Aussie cultural ethos Amyl vocalist Amy Taylor touched on recently during her keynote speech at industry conference Big Sound.

Foot-to-the-floor classic punk energy is served in a shot glass on disobedient anthem Pigs and It’s Mine, which features the commanding Taylor bellowing “If I like it enough then it’s mine!” Advocating for self-expression in the face of societal standards, pre-album single U Should Not Be Doing That features a strong, steady beat, deep bass, and sharp, assertive rhythm. Similarly, Tiny Bikini promotes freedom to express identity in the face of exterior judgement.

There’s much to be admired on this album: Amyl & The Sniffers still manage to poke fun through their offbeat lyrics, combining humour with a harder edge that can only serve them well at their high-octane live shows.

words EMMA WAY