The Amazons @ Somerset House (16/07/24)

Reading-rockers The Amazons first rose to notoriety after their self-titled debut in 2017, which showed an immediate knack for crafting arena-rock anthems. The record charted at #8 on the UK’s Album Charts, garnered praise from major critics and saw them tour extensively.

Since then, the band have released two further albums, toured with some of the biggest names in music and played bucket-list venues across the world. Future Dust saw them embodying the persona of ‘the last gang in town’, by focusing on heavier, dirtier riffs that can be found on Mother. Whereas, follow-up How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me? came after the 2020 pandemic, and saw the band take a more optimistic turn, after frontman Matt had to isolate away from his long-distance partner.

2023 saw The Amazons begin preparing for a brand new era, after losing their long-term drummer and friend, Joe. To steer the band in a new direction, the trio embarked on a list of enormous festivals, including a debut mainstage appearance at Reading & Leeds. They followed these shows with a Winter tour of cities they hadn’t visited in far too long and offered fans the chance to meet the band and experience their sound-check. It also gave an opportunity to road-test Night After Night.

Now, in 2024, the fuse for what’s next has well and truly been lit. With a full schedule of European festivals underway, The Amazons returned to London with YONAKA to kickstart their new era, in partnership with Somerset House. And it feels darker, grittier and more self-assured than anything that’s come prior. They’re at the top of their game, and if the record matches their enviable confidence on stage, we’re in for something very special.