Photos by Sharon Steele – Amyl and the Sniffers is an Australian punk rock band formed in Melbourne in 2016. Known for their raw, high-energy sound and electrifying live performances, the band blends elements of punk, rock, and garage music with a distinctly Australian flair. Their music is characterized by fast tempos, heavy guitar riffs, and chaotic rhythms, with frontwoman Amy Taylor delivering fierce and unapologetic vocals that capture the punk ethos of rebellion and defiance.
The band’s debut self-titled album, Amyl and the Sniffers (2019), received widespread acclaim for its energetic, no-holds-barred approach to punk music. Tracks like “Some Mutts (Can’t Be Muzzled)” and “Monsoon Rock” gained attention for their raw intensity and fearless attitude. Their sound is often compared to bands from the late ’70s and early ’80s punk scene but with a modern twist. Their music also addresses themes such as frustration, independence, and working-class life, resonating with listeners who crave authenticity and intensity.
Amyl and the Sniffers’ follow-up album, Comfort to Me (2021), built on their earlier success, showcasing an evolution in their songwriting while maintaining their signature rebellious spirit. The album continues to explore personal and social issues, with tracks like “Guided by Angels” and “Freaks to the Front” further establishing their place in the global punk scene. As a band, Amyl and the Sniffers are celebrated for their boundary-pushing music and for leading the charge of punk’s resurgence in the modern era.