Amyl and The Sniffers with Dies Spitz
Pappy and Harriets Oct 14, 2023
Just a short drive away from the beautiful southern California coastline lies the lively "ghost town" of Pioneertown, nestled just above Yucca Valley. Like many, if you're wondering where Yucca Valley is, it's just a stone's throw before you hit Joshua Tree. Speaking of Joshua Tree, it's that funky little town cuddled up next to the famous Joshua Tree National Park, the very same spot that inspired U2 to name-drop it in an album. Oh, and let's not forget it's also the haunt that once drew the likes of Gram Parsons and Jim Morrison for some 'enlightenment'. Yep, that Joshua Tree.
Back in 1946, Pioneertown sprang to life thanks to some Hollywood heavyweights like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. Their grand idea? To craft a slice of the Wild West close enough to Los Angeles for filming, yet intriguing enough for the travelin’ folks to wander through. And smack dab in the middle of this faux frontier sits the legendary Pappy and Harriet's, a Western-themed restaurant and bar that's seen its fair share of musical royalty swinging by. Even Sir Paul McCartney has graced its doors, though I'm more of a different-ear kind of listener, but hey, the man's got his fans, right?
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This Ain't The Cuckoo's Nest or Zubies
Now, picture this: a western-style town serving as the stage for some punk rock madness. Crazy, right? Well, believe it or not, it happened! Enter Die Spitz and Amyl and the Sniffers. Perfect combo, if you ask me. Seriously, it was a match made in musical heaven.
Kicking off the night were Die Spitz, a quartet of girls hailing from Austin, TX, fitting in perfectly with the western vibes. These ladies exude the quintessential "girl next door" charm—soft, pretty, and musically gifted. But don't let their sweet demeanor fool you; when they hit the stage, they crank up the volume and blow your boots off. They tore through a brief yet impactful setlist from their latest album "Teeth," featuring tracks like "Marrow Bone," "Groping Dogs Gushing Blood," and "Hair of Dog" (definitely a dog theme going on there). Despite the dark undertones of their lyrics, there's something oddly satisfying about their sound. Believe me when I tell you, I've had their album on repeat since the gig, then again, maybe I've got a penchant for the macabre. Give it a spin and see if it resonates with your twisted side too.
Next, the stage belonged to Amyl and the Sniffers, kicking things off with "Control" from their debut album. The crowd went wild right from their opener “Control” and from that point on with each song from their 18-track setlist, with crowd surfers, mosh pits, the always present person that passes out in the middle of said pit, beers flying, people singing, people screaming.. And when they launched into "Freaks to the Front," well, let's just say things got even crazier. Freaks indeed!
Lead vocalist Amy Taylor enjoyed the interacting with the crowd relishing in their enthusiasm, grabbing the attention of the crowd surfers as they came over the rail acknowledging she feels their excitement as well, showing them love right back. Noticing that one crowd surfer was singing right along as she came over the rail, Taylor stepped off the stage mic in hand and allowing the girl to sing along with her while being escorted to the side. Then another time just touching one and showering her with affection before she too was hauled off to the side. Amy, realizing the sea of ceil phones pointed her way, ensuring that they had their moment to snapping and incredible memory filled with unique shots. She interacted with all of them, pointing, flexing, and singing, adding an extra layer of significance making as the night special for as many as possible.
The band of Aussies exceeded the full houses expectations, delivering a show that would be unforgettable. The band's unadulterated raw energy and lyrics that struck a chord with audiences left no room for doubt—everyone departed the venue with a profound sense of fulfillment, having experienced an electrifying performance by this explosive band.
As the night progressed, the energy surged with each successive song, reaching a level of hysteria not commonly seen in southern California during tracks like "Maggot," where Amy poured her heart out to the audience, affectionately dubbing us her "maggots." It was a moment, a connection, that resonated deeply with us all.
In a music landscape saturated with machismo, Amyl and the Sniffers shone bright with their contagious passion and sincere affection for all of us. They're not here to put on airs; they just want to have a good time, and they want you right there with them. And that's what makes their shows so special.
I could go on and on about specific songs, but what really matters is the vibe they bring. It's not just about the music; it's about the connection. They're not just performers; they're partners in punk, and they want you to be a part of it. So next time they roll into town, don't miss out. Trust me, you'll regret it if you do.
