Amyl and the Sniffers spark the Crocodile

After creating waves with the release of their eponymous record, Amyl and the Sniffers, were back to entertain Seattle fans. Their sold-out show at the Crocodile was one of the most anticipated lives of the year. Their sophomore album, Comfort to Me, brought even more songs to obsess over and we couldn’t wait to see it all unfold live.

The night kicked off with local favorites, Actionesse that impressed every person in the packed venue. Their lives are so alive and elaborate it’s hard to take your eyes away, and always a pleasure. After that we had the chance to check out C.O.F.F.I.N who are also from Australia. What a great punk band and opener, so glad we discovered them. Their enthusiasm grew with each song and they really warmed up the crowd for what was to follow.

It was time for the main course and there was no delay in excitement as soon as Amy Taylor walked to the middle of the stage holding a tall boy. The other band members, drummer Bryce Wilson, guitarist Dec Martens, and bassist Fergus Romer, were just as intense to watch as Taylor throughout the night. You could just tell the crowd was just waiting to rage with them and wasted no time as “Guided By Angels,” “No More Tears,” and “Don’t Fence Me In,” played first.

The night erupted in words and Taylor led the riot herself, not stopping for anything. People raised their hands and followed along with passion singing the words to the tales. She stopped a few times and chatted with the people, sharing stories, and smiling happily to be there. During “Knifey,” and the powerful verse, “All I ever wanted was to walk by the park, all I ever wanted was to walk by the river,” you could see the shift in the room and disappointment that she even has to write a song about female safety. She ended the song and said, “It’s not fair that we can’t do that, it’s just not fair.”

The electric performance ended with “Some Mutts,” and new favorite “Hertz,” as the venue got louder and louder. It took a minute but we finally got to experience this powerful band and it was so much more than we thought it would be. They are everything you want to see in a punk show and everything you will ever need. Do not miss your chance if they ever come your way!

Words: Sophia Barkalakis @sbarkalakis

Photos/Video: Joshua Simons @groteskanimal