Amyl and the Sniffers Embrace Change in Los Angeles with Cartoon Darkness

Amyl & The Sniffers are a significant success story in modern Australian music. This garage rock band, known for their raw energy, emerged from the local scenes of Melbourne and have now captured a global audience.

After finding fame, the band made a notable move to Los Angeles, where they are admired by iconic acts and are sometimes seen wearing designer brands like Gucci. However, the transition comes with its challenges, especially for frontwoman Amy Taylor, who addresses the mixed reactions to their evolution in her lyrics.

Their new album, Cartoon Darkness, features the single "U Should Not Be Doing That," where Taylor confronts critics directly. In the lyrics, she expresses feelings of defiance against those who question her choices and the band's journey.

"I was in LA shaking my shit / While you were down in Melbourne saying, 'F**k that bitch,'" she proclaims in the chorus.

In an interview, Taylor reveals that her lyrics target people who struggle with acceptance, emphasizing the empowering nature of her creative responses. She believes that humor can transform difficult experiences into something lighter.

Embracing a New Sound

With Cartoon Darkness, the band has experimented with their sound, incorporating gloomy post-punk elements in songs like "Big Dreams." Rather than the traditional garage rock backbone, this track opts for a clean guitar motif that grows more intense as it proceeds.

Guitarist Declan Mehrtens expresses that the aim was to create a cleaner sound, experimenting with softer themes while retaining the band’s raw essence. His influences brought a fresh perspective to the album, steering it away from their punk roots towards more melodic arrangements.

"For me, whatever they present, I just try to adapt and see where my voice fits in," Taylor explains, showcasing an openness to explore new musical territories.

Despite their high-energy live performances, where Taylor often ignites the crowd with her powerful presence, the band acknowledges the need for some moments of calm in their music.

Retaining Australian Identity in a New City

As they navigated their careers in Los Angeles, maintaining their Australian identity remained essential for the band. They collaborated with Nick Launay, a producer well-known for his work with many Australian artists.

"We love that our sound screams Australia, and we didn't want to lose that essence," reflects Mehrtens, emphasizing the significance of their roots even in a new cultural setting.

Making the move to LA was also a practical decision to reduce their travel burden. The previous year saw them spend extensive time flying. Being in LA has allowed them to establish a stronger foothold in the industry.

For Taylor, the shift has been personally liberating. She felt constrained by her comfortable life in Melbourne and sought new experiences and excitement in LA. "I value change and new experiences over comfort," she shares, emphasizing her desire to explore life fully.

Emphasizing her personality, Taylor admits she felt ashamed of her bold nature back home. In LA, she finds acceptance and encouragement to be herself. "Here, if people adore me, they show it. If they don’t, that's fine too," she states, noting the difference in the reception she feels.

Regardless of varying opinions on their music, what is undeniable is the electrifying energy of their live shows, with Taylor leading the charge and connecting powerfully with her audience.

Amyl & The Sniffers are set to tour Australia in January following the release of Cartoon Darkness.

music, evolution, identity