Having already made waves with the release of their critically acclaimed By Design album and completed a whirlwind tour with unbridled success, Amongst Liars are ready to set the stage ablaze once more. Their music is more than just a soundtrack to current events; it's a rallying cry for a generation hungry for change.

Ian George (vocals), Leo Burdett (guitar), Ross Towner (bass), James Brum (keys), Adam Oarton (drums) and Andy Finlay (tour manager) emerged from the coastal towns of Eastbourne and Brighton in late 2019. Their debut single, “Over & Over,” dropped just before the world was thrown into chaos by the pandemic. Undeterred by the global shutdown, the band continued to push boundaries, releasing seven successful singles and crafting their self-titled debut album, which was met with widespread acclaim upon its release on July 8, 2022.

Amongst Liars have been lauded with an array of prestigious accolades from Great Music Stories, marking their undeniable impact on the music scene. Their exceptional talent and revolutionary sound have earned them the coveted ‘Band of the Year 2021,’ ‘Album of the Year 2022,’ and, most impressively, the esteemed ‘Band of the Decade.’ These honors underscore their extraordinary journey and the indelible mark they’ve left on modern rock, celebrating their unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence.

Yes, they are musical revolutionaries

Amongst Liars defy the classic hard rock mold with their distinctive sound. Influenced by the likes of Shinedown, Audioslave, Rage Against the Machine, Queens of the Stone Age, Royal Blood, and Bring Me the Horizon, their music blends modern rock with a swagger and menace that's impossible to ignore. Their latest album promises to be heavier and more rebellious than ever—perfectly capturing the zeitgeist of 2024. Did not fall short with the audiences.

The band’s live performances are legendary for their intensity and visual flair. Not only do they deliver powerful renditions of their tracks, but their shows are also packed with charisma and crowd interaction. From epic riffs to pulsating beats, Amongst Liars turn every gig into a memorable event.

And yes, they often have to play through the odd mishap, like the time they discovered their Sheffield hotel was a “knocking shop”—thanks to their tour manager, Andy’s, unfortunate booking oversight. The story has become band lore, a reminder of their unpredictable journey.

Meet the Band

Ian George (Vocals): As the band's frontman, Ian channels raw emotion and intensity into his performances. His lyrics often grapple with personal struggles and societal issues, turning pain into power. His stage presence is magnetic—he's the kind of vocalist who can make you feel every note and word.

Leo Burdett (Guitar): Leo's guitar work is a driving force behind the band’s sound. His riffs are both aggressive and melodic, blending seamlessly into their hard-hitting rock. He’s also known for his guitar-related shenanigans, like the time he accidentally broke a string mid-solo and improvised a memorable riff on one string.

Ross Towner (Bass): Ross lays down the groove with basslines that are as steady as they are dynamic. His rhythmic foundation supports the band’s energetic performances. Ross is also the band’s resident foodie, often sharing his culinary experiments with fans—like the infamous “Ross’s Spicy Noodles” that went viral for all the wrong reasons.

James Brummeo (Keys): James adds depth to the band’s sound with his keyboard arrangements. His role often involves balancing the harder edges of their music with moments of introspection. James is also known for his quirky sense of humor—one time, he managed to turn a keyboard malfunction into a comedic highlight of a show, much to the delight of the audience.

Adam Oarton (Drums): Adam’s drumming is the backbone of the band’s explosive sound. His beats drive their songs forward with precision and intensity. Offstage, Adam is the band's unofficial prankster, once swapping out Leo’s guitar pick for a rubber duck mid-performance, much to Leo’s bewilderment and the crowd’s amusement.

Band's continuing commitment to mental health conversation

One of Amongst Liars’ most commendable aspects is their dedication to addressing mental health through their music. Tracks like “You’re Not a Slave” and “Vice” tackle issues with a mix of vulnerability and defiance, reflecting their own struggles and those of their listeners. Their lyrics offer a message of hope and solidarity, challenging the stigma that still surrounds mental health.

Their songs are messages of hope, they make us aware that we all go through struggles and that we are not alone. Their music injects our minds with positivity. There are songs out there that are good for our hearts, good for our feet, but ‘By Design’ is an album that is good for our minds.

‘You Are Not a Slave’ talks about standing tall to those that have bullied us or put us down, taking back control.

The world needs more bands out there like Amongst Liars, they are true role models for emerging bands. They aren't afraid to plumb the depths of the grittier issues.
The band's approach has struck a chord with fans, many of whom have shared how the band's music has helped them navigate their own challenges. The personal connection between the band and their audience is evident—there’s a genuine dialogue happening, both in their lyrics and through the fan interactions they cherish.

The upward trajectory

The trajectory suggests that they are not just making a mark—they're set to redefine the modern rock landscape. With plans for international tours and a growing global fanbase, the band is on an upward trajectory.

Their future looks bright, and whether they’re rocking out in the UK or preparing to conquer new territories, Amongst Liars remain committed to delivering powerful music that resonates on both a personal and societal level. Their blend of energetic performance, provocative lyrics, and unwavering authenticity ensures that their journey is just beginning.

So, buckle up and get ready for a new chapter in rock history with Amongst Liars—a band that's as much about shaking things up as they are about rocking out.

Hopefully some day in Sarajevo too.

Contributor to this article, Lee Hurley.