The Amazons - Live Review

The Amazons were back, bringing their 21st Century Fiction: Epilogue tour to the O2 Academy Oxford. It was their first show in the city since 2017, which was long overdue considering they come from up the road in Reading.

The band opened with 'Fuzzy Tree', and the bassline cut through the cheers straight away. 'Ready for Something' and 'In My Mind' kept the pace up, with Chris Alderton's guitar playing a big part in the early energy.

Between songs, Matt Thomson didn't dodge the gap. He apologised to the Oxford United fans for playing on their doorstep, admitted the band had a lot of making up to do, and made a point of saying everyone was welcome, with a shout out to the Royals and the Yellows and a nod to the band being from just up the road.

'Dark Visions' and 'Kickin' In' followed, and this is where the new line-up really showed itself. Matt mentioned that the band used to be a three-piece and is now a five-piece, and the extra members make a clear difference. Ella McRobb's voice sounds incredible, blending well with Matt's. A genius play to not stand still with the band.

'25' led into 'Ultraviolet', and then came 'End of Wonder', which hadn't been played since 2019, a real treat for longtime fans. 'Blood on the Bone' opened with a snippet of Edwyn Collins' 'A Girl Like You' before the song kicked in. 'Panic' came next, and 'Pitch Black' followed with a reprise of 'Panic' at the end.

'Doubt It' was followed by 'Georgia', which was making its tour debut, and then 'One Hot July', the 2025 single co-written with Ella McRobb. The tour is built around the deluxe edition of 21st Century Fiction, so the newer songs sat alongside the older favourites all night. 'Junk Food Forever' and 'Wake Me Up' kept things moving before the surprise of the night, 'Joe Bought a Gun', which wasn't on the printed setlist. 'Mother' came next, and the band closed with 'Black Magic'.

Fans who waited nine years for this return got a set that moved between old favourites and the new record with ease, and a closing run that sent the Oxford crowd home happy.

Emerging indie alt-rock band Saint Clair opened the evening. Their set got the room filling up and warmed the crowd nicely, so by the time The Amazons walked out the venue was already buzzing.