The Amazons In Ultraviolet

The Amazons backstage prior to their performance at Dingwalls, Camden Lock on 12 April 2017 (Simon Reed)

Fast rising rock band The Amazons continue their surge as they share a new video for fan favourite track Ultraviolet.

The video captures the band excelling in an environment that matches the raw energy of their gigs. Each scene was shot on 16mm film, with dynamic animations scraped by hand, frame by frame onto the negative before being run back through the scanner.

The video was directed by Oscar Sansom who has previously worked with Biffy Clyro, Belle and Sebastian, Idlewidl and Twin Atlantic amongst others.

“I wanted to create a video that really celebrates the energy of The Amazons’ live performance, a visceral and explosive piece that would tear through the very film it was shot on. I wanted to make a blistering performance video that grabbed you by the scruff of the neck and looked you dead in the eye. The band has this amazing effortless rock’n roll attitude and sound and I wanted to reflect that through the techniques I used. Shot on 16mm to give it a beautiful filmic texture I then went about mutilating the final negative. Bleach, scratching, ink and fire were my weapons of choice, I did everything you are told not to do with a negative and there is something quite enjoyable about that punk style approach to making.”

The Amazons performing at Dingwalls, Camden Lock on 12 April 2017 (Simon Reed)

The year started in style for the young Reading based quartet as they became the most hotly-tipped guitar band of 2017 according to Music Week. The band’s eponymously titled debut album hit the charts at number 8 earlier this summer – and reached number 6 on the vinyl album chart. That flying start was extended with continuing support from Radio 1, a debut performance on Later… with Jools Holland and a guest appearance on Sunday Brunch. The Amazons couldn’t be ignored.

As with the rest of the album, Ultraviolet, which was produced by the Grammy nominated Catherine Marks (Wolf Alice, Foals, PJ Harvey), was recorded at the world famous Assault and Battery Studios in west London.

The Amazons performing at Dingwalls, Camden Lock on 12 April 2017 (Simon Reed)

The Amazons‘ ascent has continued in the live arena too. Their first headline tour of the year was entirely sold-out and their festival schedule extended from Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds Festival,  and BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend at home to dates all across the rest of Europe as well as Japan and South Korea. RockShot were lucky enough to be in the front row at their show at Camden’s iconic Dingwalls earlier in the year. Gigs as intimate as this are now firmly in the rear view mirror.

The Amazons performing at Dingwalls, Camden Lock on 12 April 2017 (Simon Reed)

With a forthcoming October headline tour sold out, The Amazons have announced further UK dates for February 2018. Tickets for the dates, listed below, are selling quickly with several nights already sold-out. Remaining tickets are on sale from http://theamazons.co.uk.

2017

OCTOBER

2^nd – The Waterfront, Norwich (SOLD OUT)
3^rd – The Leadmill, Sheffield (SOLD OUT)
4^th – The Liquid Room, Edinburgh (SOLD OUT)
6^th – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham (SOLD OUT)
7^th – Neighbourhood Festival, Manchester
8^th – The Riverside, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
9^th – The Tramshed, Cardiff (INCREASED CAPACITY DUE TO DEMAND)
11^th – Phoenix, Exeter (SOLD OUT)
12^th – The 02 Forum Kentish Town, London (SOLD OUT)
13^th – Engine Rooms, Southampton (SOLD OUT)
14^th – SWX, Bristol (SOLD OUT)
20^th – The Mercury Lounge, New York
23^rd – Bardot, Los Angeles

2018

FEBRUARY

1^st – O2 Institute, Birmingham
2^nd – The Garage, Glasgow
8^th – Junction, Cambridge
9^th – Pyramids Centre, Portsmouth
10^th – The Hexagon, Reading

The Amazons are Matt Thomson (vocals/guitar), Chris Alderton (guitar), Elliot Briggs (bass) and Joe Emmett (drums).