Riot Grrrl met biblical disobedience in Ammonite’s fuzz-drenched Sidewinder –

Ammonite deserve to sit in the annals of Riot Grrrl history alongside L7, Babes in Toyland and Bikini Kill as they shape the future of the sonic movement after the drop of their electrified with scuzzy visceral angst single, Sidewinder. With a few Sleater-Kinney-esque harmonies thrown into the rancorous assault for good measure and a solo that proves few bands can show as much mettle as Ammonite, Sidewinderis an anthem of pure, adrenalised volition. It drags you into the momentum instead of pulling you along with it; there’s no going through the motions here, just a hellbent mission to deliver catharsis through a culturally eclectic tableau that demands you throw your inhibitions to the wayside to make room for the manifestations of authentic, unapologetic desire.

The lyricism cuts through reverberant distortion with poetic defiance as the hook “shake that troubled tree” refrains like a ritual incantation, while the desire coiled in the final verses arrives untamed and vital. I can’t name one other band which can turn desire into a riot and build a temple out of distortion.

Drawing on imagery from William Blake and biblical mythology to throw off the mantle of forbidden love, Sidewinder vibrates with natural joy while climbing out of shame’s shadow. Ammonite recorded the single in their home studio Chimney Hawk Studios, with Selena Benally behind the board and on guitar and bass, Erin Frisby writing and leading vocals, and Alyson Cina percussively igniting the track.

Sidewinder is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Bandcamp. 

Review by Amelia Vandergast