For a band that already embodies an in-your-face attitude, punk band Amyl and The Sniffers disregard personal space to a whole new level on their latest album, Cartoon Darkness, out now via B2B Records / Virgin Music Group. Since arriving on the indie scene at the tail end of the last decade with their self-titled debut, the Melbourne band made a point to channel the unbridled 70s punk music that defined the era, spanning around the world from country to country.

In the same vein as their forefathers, Amyl and The Sniffers similarly span across borders effortlessly, quickly garnering hyped-up crowds in London, LA, and everywhere in between. And with a 2025 US tour hoping to capture the same bring-down-the-house energy that they brought when they played two dates at the Fonda Theater this past summer, it’s all but certain the album will not be lost in translation when it comes to a live setting.

Confrontational intensity

Like previous albums, Amyl and The Sniffers make their presence known with each track. “Pigs” is an abrasive punch to the face that, despite being short in time, more than justifies its placement in the tracklist. The guitar riff is up there with the band’s best, shouting just as much as lead singer Amy Taylor does in her newfound nihilistic liberty. On “Doing In Me Head,” the drums take the spotlight, echoing even when the other instruments are layered on top.

At the same time, Taylor lays down all the reasons why she’s fed up with high expectations, not wanting to be compared to anyone else in a statement that applies to any comparisons drawn to the band. Similarly, the electrifying “Me and The Girls” wraps up the album nicely, finding a middle ground between the so-called calmer moments of Cartoon Darkness and the riot-ready anthems. That’s not to say they compromise their approach to punk music in the slightest, with Taylor sticking it up to the man literally and figuratively in a feminist call to action.

Unfiltered and unrated

Punk music, more specifically pub rock, is never complete without a willingness to roll around in the mud and give out no apologies. Opening to a wall of noise, “Jerkin’” carries with it the crowded atmosphere of a punk show as Taylor gives the instruments a run for the money in terms of volume. In the second half, she uses her Iggy Pop-like bravado to tell off any naysayers, unafraid of coming off as crass and unapologetically living up to the “Jerkin’” title.

Another example of how far the songs are willing to go is “Motorbike Song,” which starts with the lyric, “I wanna ride you like a Harley D.” True to The Sniffers’ typical fashion, they waste no time in their onslaught, tearing it up as if on the brink of getting into a fight. However, their connectedness prevents them from clashing against one another sonically, working in tandem to deliver the goods time and time again.

ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

BEST NEW MUSIC

Versatility beyond ragers

Although there’s no shortage of straight head bangers on the album, that doesn’t stop the band from exploring other topics across the 13 tracks. “Chewing Gum” is less of another uninhibited rager and more a meditative song, describing how it feels to be stuck with someone who doesn’t reciprocate the same feelings. The visual of chewing gum aligns with the thrashing drums, creating a juxtaposition between what is being said and what is being heard as far as the actual music goes.

In similar spirits, “Big Dreams” is an uplifting change of pace that comes early on. What could have nearly been an unnecessary spout of whiplash becomes a carefully chosen pivot away from the rioting, with the lyrics taking center stage. Lines like “Always been a big star / Hey! When ya get down, oh, you’re a lit one” speak to the multiple purposes the band can serve if need be, whether it’s getting a crowd riled up or instilling a positive message that separates them from other punk bands, particularly the ones that inspired them.

Cartoon Darkness comes in hot and never extinguishes the energy it began with. While there are similarities to be made between the three albums Amyl and The Sniffers have released to date, their attitude towards not fixing what isn’t broken has paid off for them so far. Oddly enough, Cartoon Darkness might be them at their most disciplined, calming down for fleeting moments before coming right back and raising hell without a care in the world.

Words: David Sosa

Visit Amyl and The Sniffers on their Instagram and website to stay updated on new releases and tickets to their upcoming tour.

Amyl and The Sniffers 2025 US Tour:

Tue 3/25/25 – PORTLAND, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
Wed 3/26/25 – VANCOUVER, BC – The Commodore Ballroom
Thu 3/27/25 – SEATTLE, WA – Paramount Theatre
Sun 3/30/25 – SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Rockwell at The Complex
Mon 3/31/25 – DENVER, CO – Mission Ballroom
Wed 4/2/25 – KANSAS CITY, MO – Uptown Theater
Fri 4/4/25 – DALLAS, TX – House of Blues Dallas
Sat 4/5/25 – AUSTIN, TX – Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater
Sun 4/6/25 – HOUSTON, TX – White Oak Music Hall
Mon 4/7/25 – SAN ANTONIO, TX – Paper Tiger
Wed 5/7/25 – ST. PAUL, MN – Palace Theatre
Thu 5/8/25 – CHICAGO, IL – The Salt Shed
Fri 5/9/25 – MADISON, WI – The Sylvee
Sat 5/10/25 – ROYAL OAK, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
Mon 5/12/25 – TORONTO, ON – History
Tue 5/13/25 – CLEVELAND, OH – Agora Theatre
Thu 5/15/25 – NEW YORK, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17
Fri 5/16/25 – PHILADELPHIA, PA – Franklin Music Hall
Sat 5/17/25 – BOSTON, MA – Roadrunner
Mon 5/19/25 – SILVER SPRING, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
Wed 5/21/25 – RALEIGH, NC – The Ritz
Thu 5/22/25 – ATLANTA, GA – The Eastern
Fri 5/23/25 – NASHVILLE, TN – Marathon Music Works