The Amazons at New Slang

Though their album has critically received lukewarm reviews, Reading-based quartet The Amazons were nothing short of scorching as they performed to a packed-out crowd at Kingston’s New Slang. Opening the set with Stay with Me, speakers belted out scuzz-fuelled rock as guitars were cranked up to the maximum and spat out a blistering display of grunge-soaked anthems.

Raindrops lyrically conveys the idyllic display of rain falling against windows, which could have easily been sweat dripping from a thirsty audience. Bodies reverberated – limbs viciously collided to the hammering of drummer Joe Emmett’s cymbals and guitarist Chris Alderton’s violent riffs and breakdowns. Little Something wrenched gig-goers into a bestial frenzy as the pit circulated throughout the venue’s centre.

The evening was hosted by Kingston’s Banquet Records, a prestigious platform for both longstanding and upcoming bands, which earlier opened its doors to an intimate free acoustic set by the Reading boys and exhibited lead singer Matt Thomson’s seamless falsetto range. However, last night was free reign and audiences witnessed an array of gestures that were marginally pantomime as guitars swung high up in the air and legs crouched upon the floor, stooping over instruments as if to conjure the spirit of Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain.

Finally, the fan favourite and radio friendly Junk Food Forever was a roaring call to arms, to assemble the group’s tribe and prove their loyalty. The gig ended with a confident display of heart-soaring melodies and vocal hooks that similarly, like the flames burning at the centre of their sweltering debut, solidifies their ranks alongside respected bands such as Circa Waves, Catfish and the Bottlemen and Royal Blood, and shows a future burning high for this bright new four-piece.

Jack Lloyd
Photos: Jack Lloyd

For further information about The Amazons and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Junk Food Forever here: