The Amazons

I like going to gigs. To the extent that I will happily go to see acts I don't know and aren't really in  my ideal genre, if a mate invites me. And so here I was at the Amazons in Brixton. As this was Andy's choice I happily went along with his evening. So we met up and had dinner and a few drinks first rather than see the opening support, the Mysterines. No regrets, I like getting fed, and I enjoy his company.

But we did make the end of the set of Demob Happy. Who were really good. "Almost worth coming 

early to see support acts" says Andy to me with irony intended. I am moulding him. 😏

Anyway, Demob Happy are a trio of Geordie rockers. Obviously have been around a while without impinging on my consciousness. But will look them out for the future and see them if they tour in London. It is the value of seeing support acts, and the value of such bands tagging along with better known bands. Gives them a shot at a bigger audience. And especially loved their drummer, not only integral to their sound and very competent, but also just a great mass of long hair flashing around as he drummed!

On to the main affair, the Amazons. Now for my personal tastes, they are just a bit too "rock" and not enough indie. Interesting take on the demographic as I pointed out to Andy. We reckoned about 90% of the audience was young male, not unusual for rock acts. Front man Matt Thompson has just turned 26 (as he told us) and does fit the bill as rock singer. Clearly has personality (although not exactly profound in his conversation with the audience) and most importantly has a really good strong voice to put over the heavy guitar sound. Where he lost it a bit with Andy and I (and we have uncannily similar tastes which may be why we go to so many gigs together!) is his tendency to also go for the screeching that many metal acts adopt. Not great idea for me.

They did have two female backing singers, but Andy and I agreed they seemed to be more there for decorative value. You didn't notice them audibly over the rock sound. And Matt doesn't need much back up. As I say he has a great voice, and is very watchable; what you want in a front man.

But at times he really does go in for the rock god posturing. And that just doesn't sit easily on the shoulders of a young man from Reading. Having said that he clearly has an adoring audience and there was a healthy and expansive mosh pit going on. So all in all, while not quite may taste, was a good evening, and I knew I was watching good stuff, and a talented band. A pleasurable Friday night out.