The image of burning tour bus ‘Big Suze’ on their eponymously titled first record certainly signalled an end of a chapter for The Amazons. Yet with the release of sophomore album Future Dust the Reading quartet ignited the flames of a new era infused with rock and roll.  With a date at the O2 Academy Leeds perched nicely on their latest tour, where else would one want to be on a Saturday night?

Illuminated by the cave shaped structure, reminiscent of their latest albums artwork, the Reading- based quartet and crowd alike embarked on a ninety-minute escapade of sweat-filled chaos. Opening with latest single ‘Fuzzy Tree’, The Amazons raced into a rampaging start featuring other new material from Future Dust. The anthemic ‘Mother’ alongside the blues-instilled ‘25’, encapsulate the band’s transition to a rock and roll mould, addressing themes of isolation and darkness along the way.

Yet with the new came the tried and trusted. The beloved ‘Stay With Me’ and ‘Ultraviolet’ were belted back with the upmost enthusiasm from the crowd. The passion exerted by the audience was no more matched by frontman Matt Thomson. Sporting a wonderfully embroidered Future Dust suit, Thomson regularly interacted with the crowd, with many clawing out to gain the slightest of touches of his fingertips.

The ever-present chants of Yorkshire echoing around the venue perhaps further reinforced the bands well-known love for Leeds. Paying ode to past shows at Brudenell Social Club and Oporto, The Amazons caught the imagination of the Leeds crowd, with the added rendition of The Kaiser Chiefs ‘Oh My God’ during ’25 (Reprise)’ heightening spirits. The Amazons certainly spoiled the crowd with their versatility, dabbling in covers of ‘Helter Skelter’ and ‘20th Century Boy’, both of which marked highlights of the show.  

Whilst new material from a band is always exciting, there is difficulty in detaching from the songs that initially get you hooked. And thus, The Amazons concluded in style with fan favourites ‘Junk Food Forever’ and ‘Black Magic’ from which mayhem erupted. Middle-aged men swinging shirts from the balcony to rebellious teens crowd surfing, The Amazons staged a rock and roll extravaganza, loosening their indie shackles in the meantime.