THE HYST LIST // The Amity Affliction’s Top Ten Tracks

There’s no stopping the momentum behind The Amity Affliction, and the band’s latest single I Bring The Weather With Me locked them into overdrive.

The legendary Oz hardcore quartet have just announced they’ll be dropping their fifth album, This Could Be Heartbreak in August. Until then we have you covered with a pick of the top ten tunes to get you newcomers, or seasoned fans, in the mood. Ready for lots of oceans? Consider yourself…taken

Stairway to Hell

“God I hate you so much, I just want to smash your face in”. God I love a Hot Rod reference, and no album does it better than Severed Ties. Stairway to Hell’s outro makes for a monumental ending, built on orchestral backings and double kicks. The song’s opening guitar line is a prominent feature, used in the beginning and amplified at the end. Stairway to Hell may lack in its recording quality, but nobody expected such a big result from the band’s first album.

Fruity Lexia

One of Amity’s most popular songs from their first album, and its name probably best suits the band’s party antics at the time. It’s no secret that the boys enjoyed a froffie or seven, and cask wine wasn’t off the drinks list. Fruity Lexia is fast, synth charged and shows off the dynamics between Birch and Stringer.

I Hate Hartley

These are some of Birch’s greatest lyrics, which hit you right in the feels. I’ve seen several lines from this tune inked on the skin of fans. It’s a testament to the frontman’s strength of character, as he overcame mental health issues. This track, from the album Youngbloods, is a huge step up in quality and musicianship from the band’s previous LP. It’s all thanks to New York producer Machine, (check out House vs Hurricane’s album Crooked Teeth) who pushed each member to his vocal/instrumental limits. I Hate Hartley’s synth laden intro is a perfect ‘calm before the storm’ opening to Amity’s finest album.

Youngbloods

An anthem for, yep you guessed it, youth. Another banger from Youngbloods, this song is famous for its crowd uniting “Fuck the reaper” line. Its lyrics are emotionally charged as ever, and the song as a whole is a salute to those who keep breathing.

Anchors

Sooooo many. One of the more upbeat tunes from the band, but with a serious message. Metaphorically speaking, the song represents Birch’s demons, as does the whole album. By far the most prominent part to the song is when the chaos dies after the second chorus, giving listeners a moment of respite before bursting into a massive crowd bouncing jamout.

Chasing Ghosts

Chasing Ghosts, the first single from the band’s third album (Chasing Ghosts), set the bar high for Amity. It was the first sign that Birch wasn’t swaying from his themes of suicide and mental health. It also put the hardcore outfit in the spotlight for insensitive reasons. The album’s original artwork caused quite the stir, depicting a man hanging from a tree, presumably in the act of suicide. The band was then forced to apologise for their comments made after the cover’s release, which subsequently had them change the image to something less confronting.

Open Letter

The chorus to Open Letter is darn infectious, and it’s for this reason the song has become a household name for the band. Open Letter shows how Amity have expertly blended keys, synth and hardcore together. The track’s choruses are bright and poppy, while its verses and breakdowns are as meaty as old school fans would want them.

Death’s Hand

How about that for an opening? If there’s one band member which Death’s Hand shines the spotlight on, it’s drummer Ryan Burt. There’s no better example than in the verses of this track, with double kicks running rampant and at a ridiculous speed. The Amity Affliction, like in Youngbloods, again make use of their crowd chanting lines. It proves to be a massive part of the song in a live setting: “Hey death, get fucked!”

Pittsburgh

Incorporating a school choir into this song was the best move The Amity Affliction could make. It showed maturity and diversity in their songwriting, and the piece itself sends a shiver down the spine. By now fans had well and truly figured out Amity’s recurring theme: The goddamn ocean. Yes, it’s a great metaphor for Birch’s struggles, but it was becoming old. Lyrics aside, this track is a belter, and the film clip is ever better.

Skeletons

One of two new tunes dropped by the band months after the release of Let The Ocean Take Me. It’s the harmonies behind the second half of each chorus that gives the song an extra boost. The track might not be up there as a fan favourite, but is a testament to Amity’s seasoned song crafting skills.

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THE AMITY AFFLICTION I BRING THE WEATHER WITH ME AUSTRALIAN TOUR

With special guests Trophy Eyes

Friday, 19 August The Tivoli, Brisbane (18+) SOLD OUT
Saturday, 20 August The Tivoli, Brisbane (18+) – NEW SHOW

Friday, 26 August 2016 Metro Theatre, Sydney (18+) – SOLD OUT

Saturday, 27 August 2016 Metro Theatre, Sydney (18+) – NEW SHOW

Wednesday, 31 August 2016 170 Russell, Melbourne (18+) – SOLD OUT

Friday, 1 September 2016 170 Russell, Melbourne (18+)– NEW SHOW

Tickets available via 24Hundred and Live Nation