Album Review: The Amazons - 21st Century Fiction
21st Century Fiction marks a confident step forward for The Amazons, delivering a record that’s both heavy and approachable. The band’s latest album strikes an impressive balance between powerful rock energy and a catchy pop sensibility, making it a refreshing listen in a genre often dominated by either one or the other.
The album’s sound is unmistakably The Amazons — raw and gritty guitars, driving rhythms, and Matt Thomson’s distinctive vocals — but there’s a polished edge here that sets it apart from their previous work. It’s heavier than many of their past releases, but never feels overbearing or dense. Instead, the band injects enough melody and hooks throughout the album to keep it breezy and engaging, making it an enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Clocking in at a digestible length, 21st Century Fiction is perfectly paced to invite repeated listens. It’s the kind of album you can return to again and again without feeling weighed down or fatigued, which is a testament to the band’s skill at crafting songs that are both dynamic and accessible.
Standout tracks like the lead single “Living A Lie” showcase the band’s ability to build atmosphere and tension before exploding into thunderous riffs and energetic choruses. The interplay between guitars and vocals is particularly strong here, delivering both grit and melody with precision. Meanwhile, “Night After Night” and “Joe Bought A Gun” highlight the band’s heavier side, driven by distorted guitars and intense rhythms that still maintain a clear sense of melody.
What makes 21st Century Fiction truly special is how it retains the core character of The Amazons while exploring new sonic territory. The album feels like a natural evolution rather than a complete reinvention, which will please long-time fans and new listeners alike.
Overall, 21st Century Fiction is a confident, well-crafted album that combines heaviness with catchiness, making it one of The Amazons’ most enjoyable records to date. It’s a compelling blend of intensity and accessibility — a record that proves the band continues to grow and refine their sound while staying true to their roots.