Cartoon Darkness by Amyl and The Sniffers' Review
Punk but not as we know it
Amyl and The Sniffers’ latest album, Cartoon Darkness, is a blistering dive into the contemporary punk landscape, blending raw ferocity with introspection and experimentation. Known for their chaotic, in-your-face performances and unfiltered commentary, the Australian band is led by Amy Taylor, whose unapologetic presence has made her a defining voice in modern punk. With Cartoon Darkness, they’ve taken their sound a step further, venturing beyond traditional punk without losing an ounce of their signature grit.
The opening track, ‘Jerkin’, is a high-energy anthem that re-establishes Amyl and The Sniffers’ punk ethos right from the start. With intense riffs and a relentless pace, it’s a song that mirrors the band’s chaotic stage presence. Taylor’s snarling, take-no-prisoners delivery cuts through the noise, setting the tone for what is a defiant and, at times, confrontational album.
Tracks like ‘Tiny Bikini’ and ‘Me and the Girls’ serve as bold statements on empowerment and gender norms. In ‘Tiny Bikini’, Taylor’s lyrics are both rebellious and witty, challenging the way women are perceived and breaking down stereotypes. ‘Me and the Girls’, on the other hand, feels like a rallying cry for female solidarity, delivered with an infectious, riotous energy that invites listeners to join the cause.
The album also dives into more reflective territory with ‘Big Dreams’, where the band explores the challenges of overcoming small-town limitations. This song features a softer, more melodic approach, showcasing a new side of Taylor’s vocals. It’s an unexpected yet welcome departure, adding emotional depth to the album without slowing down the pace or sacrificing the band’s punk essence. For listeners who are accustomed to Taylor’s snarl and growl, her shift to a more measured tone might come as a surprise, but it highlights her versatility as a vocalist.
Working with renowned producer Nick Launay at Foo Fighters’ Studio 606 has clearly had an impact on the album’s sonic quality. Launay, known for his work with post-punk heavyweights like Nick Cave and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, brings a polished yet raw aesthetic that suits the band’s evolution. The production maintains the band’s grit and authenticity, but it also allows for more intricate layers and subtlety, making this record their most complex offering yet. The rhythm section, helmed by Declan Martens on guitar and Gus Romer on bass, shines through, providing a rock-solid backbone that keeps the momentum driving forward while giving Taylor the space to experiment vocally.
The experimental edge of Cartoon Darkness becomes evident in tracks like ‘Bailing On Me’ and ‘Doing In Me Head’, where the band flirts with elements of post-punk and even a bit of psychedelia. The swirling guitars and reverb-heavy sections on these tracks create a haunting atmosphere, giving the album a darker tone than their previous work. The result is a sound that feels more mature, one that captures the band’s desire to push their creative boundaries without losing touch with the raw energy that put them on the map.
Throughout Cartoon Darkness, the band digs deeper into social themes, addressing issues like class disparity, isolation, and disillusionment with modern society. While earlier releases from Amyl and The Sniffers have learnt more on the visceral, this album feels like a more thoughtful project—though never without their biting humour. 'Pigs,’ for example, tackles the pressures of modern life and the superficiality of social media culture, with Taylor’s lyrics striking a balance between anger and irony. The track reflects the weariness of living in a hyperconnected yet emotionally distant world.
Yet, even as Cartoon Darkness explores heavier themes, it remains defiantly hopeful. The second-to-last track, ‘Going Somewhere’, feels like a punk manifesto for resilience. It’s an unexpected crescendo but an empowering one, offering a glimmer of optimism amidst the album’s darker explorations. It’s a reminder that Amyl and The Sniffers, despite their rough exterior, have a heart that beats strong and hopeful beneath the chaos.
The album has received widespread acclaim, with many critics, including me, applauding its daring evolution. Critics have noted that Cartoon Darkness represents a major step forward for the band, balancing their punk roots with newfound complexity and maturity. It’s a testament to the band’s growth and their ability to adapt without losing their rebellious spirit.
In Cartoon Darkness, Amyl and The Sniffers have crafted an album that is both intensely personal and universal, a record that speaks to the disaffected while celebrating resilience. It’s a rare blend of fun, fury, and forward-thinking punk rock, and it’s bound to resonate with fans old and new. For a band that thrives on chaos, Cartoon Darkness is a remarkably cohesive and satisfying chapter in their discography, solidifying their place in the evolving punk landscape.
Four out of Five Stars!
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