Amyl and the Sniffers are an Australian pub rock and punk rock band based in Melbourne, consisting of vocalist Amy Taylor, drummer Bryce Wilson, guitarist Dec Martens, and bassist Fergus Romer.[1] At the ARIA Music Awards of 2019, their self-titled debut record won the Best Rock Album category.

Amyl and the Sniffers
Amyl and the Sniffers performing at The Piece Hall in Halifax, 27 June 2019
Background information
Origin	Melbourne, Australia
Genres	Pub rock punk rock garage rock
Years active	2016–present
Labels	ATO Flightless Rough Trade
Members	Amy Taylor Bryce Wilson Dec Mehrtens Gus Romer
Past members	Calum Newton Sam McPherson Stelios Kostogiannis Aaron Moss Daniel Breda
Website	amylandthesniffers.com

History

2016–2017: Giddy Up and Big Attraction

The band was formed by housemates Taylor, Wilson and Martens and former band member Calum Newton (AKA Candy) in Balaclava, Melbourne. The four wrote, recorded, and released their first EP, Giddy Up, in a span of 12 hours.[2] Calum left the band to pursue solo music and was replaced by Fergus Romer. They take their name from the Australian slang for amyl nitrite, also known as poppers.[3] Amy Taylor compared their music to the drug in an interview with Paul Glynn of the BBC: "In Australia we call poppers Amyl. So you sniff it, it lasts for 30 seconds and then you have a headache – and that's what we're like!"[3] Their sound has been compared to 1970s hard rock groups such as Iggy Pop and The Stooges and The Damned.[2] However, Taylor has cited a number of varying influences including Minor Threat, Ceremony, AC/DC, Sleaford Mods, Dolly Parton and Cardi B.[3] A second EP Big Attraction was released in 2017.

2018–present: Amyl and the Sniffers and Comfort to Me

In 2018, the band went into the studio to record their debut album with producer and former Add N to (X) drummer Ross Orton.[4] The result was the self-titled Amyl and the Sniffers, which was released on 24 May 2019 and has received generally positive reviews including a 7.2 from Pitchfork[2] and 4 out of 5 stars from NME[5] and AllMusic.[6] In light of the album's release, Happy Mag placed the band at No. 9 on their list of "The 15 Australian female artists changing the game right now", praising front-woman Amy Taylor for being "one of hardest rocking people on the face of the planet."[7]

At the ARIA Music Awards of 2019, Amyl and the Sniffers won the ARIA Award for Best Rock Album.[8][9][10] In February 2020, the self-titled album was nominated for the Australian Music Prize of 2019.[11]

On 7 July 2021, Amyl and the Sniffers announced their second studio album Comfort to Me, alongside lead single "Guided by Angels".[12] Later in July, the band released another single, "Security". Three days prior to the release of the album the band released a final single, "Hertz", alongside a complementary music video.[13] The full Comfort to Me album was initially scheduled for release in early October 2021,[14] but was pushed up and released on 10 September.[15] The album was recorded at Sound Park, in Melbourne.[16]

In June and July 2022 the band opened for Weezer, Fall Out Boy and Green Day on the European leg of the Hella Mega Tour.[17]

Discography

Albums

EPs

Singles

Awards and nominations

AIR Awards

The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music.[34]

Australian Music Prize

The Australian Music Prize (the AMP) is an annual award of $30,000 given to an Australian band or solo artist in recognition of the merit of an album released during the year of award. They commenced in 2005.[37]

J Awards

Commencing in 2005, the J Awards are an annual series of Australian music awards that were established by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's youth-focused radio station Triple J.

Music Victoria Awards

The Music Victoria Awards, are an annual awards night celebrating Victorian music. They commenced in 2005.[42]

National Live Music Awards

The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) are a broad recognition of Australia's diverse live industry, celebrating the success of the Australian live scene. The awards commenced in 2016.[49]

References

General

• Trimboli, Isabella (24 May 2019). "Amyl and the Sniffers review – turning pub rock bravado into punk mayhem". Theguardian.com.
• "Amyl and the Sniffers: Amyl and the Sniffers". Pitchfork.com.
• Glynn, Paul (14 May 2019). "'It's just charmingly violent powerful fun'". Bbc.com.
• "Daily Dose: Amyl and The Sniffers, "Gacked on Anger"". Pastemagazine.com.
• "'Mon the Sniff: Amyl and the Sniffers". Diymag.com.
• Dwyer, Michael (23 May 2019). "Here's trouble! Amyl and the Sniffers spray it like it is". The Sydney Morning Herald.
• Rogers, Jude (4 May 2019). "One to watch: Amyl and the Sniffers". Theguardian.com.
• BWW News Desk. "Amyl and The Sniffers Critically Acclaimed Debut S/T Album Out Today". BroadwayWorld.com.
• Smith, Thomas. "Amyl and The Sniffers – 'Amyl and The Sniffers' review". NME.
• Skinner, Tom (6 March 2019). "Amyl and the Sniffers announce debut album with feral first single, 'Monsoon Rock'". NME.
• Bassett, Jordan (26 September 2018). "Aussie punks Amyl and the Sniffers – almost literally – tore apart London's beloved Moth Club last night". NME.

External links

• Official website