More about: The Amazons

Since their formation in 2014, Reading based four-piece The Amazons have had two top ten albums and built a reputation as a formidable live act. Their show at the imposing O2 Academy Brixton saw them bring their national tour in support of sophomore record ‘Future Dust’ to a close in fine style.

Lively sets from The Mysterines and Demob Happy, both handpicked by the headliners, warmed the crowd up nicely before The Amazons took to the stage. Setting out their stall with opener ‘Fuzzy Tree’, the group were instantly on energetic form. This continued with ‘Stay With Me’ and the euphoric ‘Ultraviolet’, both cuts from their debut album, which sparked the first mass singalongs of the night. These bigger numbers summed up why their brand of alternative rock has got them to this point – taking in life-affirming vocal hooks, seismic riffs, and gritty lyrics, all polished off with a contemporary feel.

While this distinct style is pervasive across their music, the band proved the versatility and depth of their catalogue across the course of the evening. Atmospheric second album closer ‘Georgia’ took on a more pensive tone as the track built to a thrilling crescendo, marking itself. And the songs stood up just as well when stripped back, which was evident from a darker, minimalistic reprise of ‘25’ and gorgeous ballad 'Palace’, built around just a piano and acoustic guitar. Mosh pits engulfed the room during heavier numbers ‘Dark Visions’ and ‘Little Something’, both garage rock-infused belters that saw the set at its primal best.

Charismatic singer Matt Thomson, celebrating his birthday on the night, struck a commanding figure across the evening in both stage presence and his interaction with a receptive audience. Freddie Mercury style call-and-response flourishes in between songs and a medley of covers – ranging from Black Sabbath to the Beatles – probably would have seemed trite if attempted by most other acts. But these homages worked well and ultimately proved irresistible, with a genuine love of rock and roll at the heart of the band. Elliot Briggs and Joe Emmett made up a super tight rhythm section, while Chris Alderton’s exceptional lead guitar lines ensured that pretty much every track caught light.

Closing on a triumphant one-two of their biggest hits ‘Junk Food Forever’ and ‘Black Magic’, The Amazons topped off a night that was visceral and celebratory by turn. Playing to an adoring tribe of devoted fans, their stunning set affirmed their status as one of the most exciting rock bands that this country has produced in some time.

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More about: The Amazons