Photo + Words: Beth Phasey-Manclark
There was something special in the air at London’s iconic Roundhouse on Wednesday the 29th of November. A charged up audience packed into the spectacular, circular venue to see Reading rockers, The Amazons do what they do best, and from the moment the lights dimmed, it was clear this was going to be a big night.
Kicking off the night with one of the heaviest hitters from their new record – 21st Century Fiction – The Amazons wasted no time in showcasing their evolution, jumping straight into action with “Joe Bought a Gun”. Next came a run of fan favourites, with “Ready for Something” and “In My Mind” keeping the energy sky-high and the crowd firmly in the band’s grip. As part of their 21st Century Fiction tour, the set leaned heavily into their latest record. The Amazons played almost the entirety of 21st Century Fiction, each track landing with purpose and power. The newer material is bold and cinematic and feels made for the stage.
The energy didn’t let up for a second as the set powered on through explosive tracks like “Living a Lie”, “Pitch Black” and “Mother”. “Wake Me Up” was a clear standout moment, a soaring anthem that felt made for the live stage and had the whole room singing along. As this track came to a close and the band stepped off for the encore, the Roundhouse buzzed with anticipation.
The Amazons returned to the stage post encore, opening with “Junk Food Forever” – a track steeped in nostalgia that had long-time fans dancing, singing and grinning at one another as memories of earlier gigs came flooding back. “Ultraviolet” followed, met with the same ecstatic response, its familiar chorus echoing around the Roundhouse as people climbed on shoulders and belted out every word. Between songs, frontman Matt took a moment to reflect, visibly emotional as he spoke about how special it felt to play such an iconic venue and to share the night with so many fans. It was a moment that perfectly captured the connection between the band and their audience.
The band were on top form throughout the entire night. Matt Thomson’s vocals were powerful, flawless, and full of emotion, Chris Alderton delivered some impressive and blistering guitar solos that tore through the venue, and Elliot Briggs’ basslines gave every track a solid, pulsing drive. Behind them, George Le Page kept everything tight with relentless precision on drums. Ella McRobb’s backing and additional vocals added real depth to the newer tracks from 21st Century Fiction, giving them the layered live sound that helps define this era of the band. Newer addition Henry Belcher, part of the live touring lineup, seamlessly filled out the sound on guitar, rounding out a live setup that felt both dynamic and complete.
Closing the night with one of their best-known songs, “Black Magic”, The Amazons ended on a huge, euphoric moment that brought everything full circle. The final notes rang out to a roar of applause, the crowd still buzzing long after the lights came up. The entire band came together centre stage, taking a moment to soak it all in before bowing as one. It was a fitting end to a night that perfectly captured the energy, passion and power that make The Amazons such a force on stage.
Taped Magazine 