THE AMAZONS: SOUTHAMPTON, UK
The Amazons with support from Coach Party
at O2 Guildhall in Southampton, UK
photos and words by Phoebe Reeks
Having released their third studio album How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me? last month, The Amazons returned to Southampton as part of their current 12-date headline UK tour in support of its release.
Partnering up with BBC introducing, The Amazons had various support acts for each date of their UK tour, with Southampton being treated to an energetic performance from Isle of Wight based indie-rockers, Coach Party to open the night. Several songs were performed including ‘FLAG (Feel Like a Girl)’ and ‘3 Kisses’ from latest EP release Nothing is Real. Coach Party mentioned they will be back at Southampton’s, The Joiners in January and thanked the audience and The Amazons for the opportunity, before hyping up the crowd for the main act to follow, with ‘Can’t Talk, Won’t.’
Having last played a headline slot in Southampton in 2017, fans were eager for The Amazons to arrive on stage. With an almost two-hour set, the Reading-based four-piece weren’t messing about, kicking off with the opening track from the latest album release ‘How Will I Know?’. This was followed by ‘Ready for Something’, in which lead singer, Matt Thomson joined the fans at the barrier, ramping up the crowd’s energy. The band went on to perform an extensive 18-song setlist, including hits from all three of their top ten albums.
Having last played at the O2 Guildhall in Southampton as a supporting artist for American rockers, Jimmy Eat World, the group were thankful to have the opportunity to play the venue as the headline act. Lead singer, Matt mentioned his love for the older, adapted venues and encouraged fans to keep supporting music venues. He also mentioned how Southampton have a special place in their hearts, having played at several venues over the years, including Lennon’s, The Joiners and Engine Rooms.
A highlight from the evening was an incredible stripped back, alternative performance of one of The Amazons’ oldest releases, ‘Nightdriving’, with guitarist, Chris Alderton on mandolin, drummer, Joe Emmett on tambourine, and added Harmonica from touring musician, Joshua Speers.
Energy from bassist, Elliot Briggs and guitarist, Chris bounced to and fro with Matt as they interacted together on stage. Amongst the more upbeat and heavier songs such as ‘In My Mind’, were some contrasting slower songs, offering a more heartfelt side to their work, such as ‘Northern Star’ from the latest album, during which the crowd created a sea of stars with their phones. Throughout the night, fans sang lyrics out loud and clear to songs both old and new. Matt engaged with fans throughout the show, repeatedly thanking them for their support, and especially for how quickly they had learned lyrics to the songs off the new album, How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me?
The Amazons closed the night with another fan favourite, ‘Junk Food Forever’, after which Matt encouraged the band to carry on chanting the melody of the song as they left the stage. The crowd continued to chant and stomp loudly as the band returned for an encore of ‘Blood Rush’ and ‘Black Magic’ with its infectious guitar riffs, closing what was a brilliant evening.
Having waited three years through the pandemic for this tour, it was great to see both fans and the band relishing in their much-anticipated return.
COACH PARTY
THE AMAZONS
