THE AMAZONS AT GIBUS LIVE CLUB IN PARIS
The Amazons released one of the most exciting rock albums this year. ‘Future Dust’ is their second LP and highlights the evolution of their sound. With more mature compositions, explosive guitar riffs and self-confidence exuding from all 11 songs, the album still is one of the best of the year, so far. It’s no surprise that we were very excited to see that the English lads were set to perform in Paris for the first date of their European tour.
We kept an eye on their performances throughout the summer festivals. It’s still very hard for me to understand the huge gap between the UK success of some bands and the relatively small popularity of the same band in France. It is challenging to imagine that the same band that is gathering thousands of people at Reading and Leeds 2019 will only gather 200 people in a small, sweaty venue in Paris. We were there, regardless, and very excited to FINALLY be able to sing with them on every banger.
Opening for them was Deputies, a French rock band. With a sound very close to Two Door Cinema Club, energetic pop with a slight taste of punk energy, they were very efficient in warming up the crowd. A special highlight was the live rendering of “Brave”, their last single - very groovy. It was a successful set for them, and we hope that they will continue to grow.
The Amazons were expected any time on stage, ready to set the venue on fire. While they are still building their popularity here in France, they already have a strong, fierce core of French fans that follow them everywhere through Europe. Of course, from the beginning of the show, they had their own cheering crowd and backing singers, helping the frontman and singer Matt Thomson to sing every chorus. The four lads from Reading decided on a short, but balanced and interesting setlist, mixing hits from their first eponym album and the second one, ‘Future Dust’. “In my Mind”, “Black Magic”, and “Junk Food Forever“ were instantly recognized and sang by the whole crowd, reminiscent of the explosive start of the band, three years ago.
With roaring bass and guitar, powerful drums, and an on point singer, The Amazons delivered a perfect show. The hesitations from the first years are far gone and the four musicians have evolved into an efficient machine of rock music. They lack sometimes the spontaneity and sincerity that never miss to bring some surprises into a show, but the night was brilliant anyway. One piece of advice to French festival organizers out there: don’t miss the opportunity to book them. France wants to see more of their amazing music, and the band deserves better stages.