MARCH 12th 2025
AMYL AND THE SNIFFERS: CARTOON DARKNESS TOUR
Review & Photos by Peter Ruttan
Gallery: http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/amyl-and-the-sniffers-cartoon-darkness-tour/

Australian punk rockers Amyl and the Sniffers Supercharged in Vancouver's PNE Forum to kick off there new tour in support of the their new album " Cartoon Darkness". They were slated to play the famous Commodore Ballroom but since ticket sales were going fast promotors moved it to the larger PNE Forum. The band from downunder had a performance brimming with raw energy and unfiltered attitude. It was my first time seeing them live and i was in for quite a treat. The band's signature blend of high-upbeat riffs and rebellious spirit transformed the 4,000 plus venue into a throbbing hub of relentless punk energy.

Sheer Mag from Philadelphia stated the show off  and has the light went dim the band walked on stage the band had a effortless channel of blue rock with a spin of punk. Tina Hoilday who fronts the band has a gritty mix to her voice which had a dynamic range which kept the fans alive with energy.

Amyl and the Sniffers were up next and vocalist Amy Taylor rushed to the center stage and commanded the crowd with an irresistible energy, delivering each song with a ferocity that ignited the sweaty young crowd. Her interactions between tracks revealed a more introspective side, as she advocated for body confidence and addressed societal issues, including a heartfelt plea for men to support each other in preventing domestic violence. Band mates Dec Martens (guitar), Gus Romer (bass), and Bryce Wilson (drums)—hammered out raw, high-voltage punk anthems at breakneck speed. The setlist featured a mix of fan favorites and new material, including tracks like "Jerkin’," "Chewing Gum," "Motorbike Song," and "Guided by Angels."  Each song was delivered with the band's trademark intensity, keeping the audience engaged and energized throughout the night.

The audience responded with unbridled enthusiasm, forming circle pits and immersing themselves in the raucous atmosphere. By the encore, the crowd was drenched in sweat, a testament to the band's ability to foster a communal, high-energy experience. The setlist had such songs as "Guided by Angels" and “Tiny Bikini" whipping the crowd into punk like frenzy. Encore we saw ”Hertz" having bodies flying in the pit, and "Balaclava Lover Boogie" felt dripping with chaotic energy—it was clear this wasn’t just a show; it was a punk rock show that will be talked about and remembered.

Amyl and the Sniffers' performance at the PNE Forum reaffirmed their reputation as a must-see live act, and with only 3 albums under there belt they delivered a night of unrelenting punk rock that left Vancouver fans exhilarated and craving more, more and even more!