Amateur Takes Control: The DIY Ethos of Modern Indie Rock
Amateur Takes Control is a dynamic indie rock band from Manchester, England, known for their raw energy and self-produced sound. The group achieved a significant commercial milestone with their 2018 debut album, Assembly Required, which charted in the UK Top 40 and was certified Silver for sales exceeding 60,000 copies.
Early career
Formed in 2012 by university friends, the band's name, Amateur Takes Control, was a deliberate statement of intent. They began by recording demos in a shared house and self-releasing them on Bandcamp, building a local following through relentless gigging in Manchester's vibrant pub and club circuit.
Their early EPs, Faulty Wiring (2014) and Signal Lost (2015), caught the attention of several independent labels. They ultimately signed with the respected indie imprint Fierce Panda Records in 2016, which provided the platform for their first proper studio sessions.
Breakthrough
The band's breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the release of the single Manual Override. The track became a staple on BBC Radio 6 Music and alternative rock radio stations, propelling them to a wider audience. This success set the stage for their debut album the following year.
Released in June 2018, Assembly Required entered the UK Albums Chart at number 32. The album's success was driven by its blend of gritty guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, solidifying the band's place in the UK's indie rock landscape.
Key tracks
Manual Override — This breakthrough single defined their early sound with its urgent tempo and became their first radio hit.
Factory Settings — The lead track from Assembly Required showcased a more polished production while retaining their signature DIY energy.
Static Bloom — A slower, more atmospheric track that demonstrated the band's growing songwriting depth and received critical praise.
Live Wire — Known for its explosive live performance, this song became a fan favorite and a regular setlist closer.
Feedback Loop — From their 2021 follow-up album, this track featured a notable collaboration with producer-engineer Catherine Marks.
Their second album, User Generated, arrived in 2021 via a new deal with Alcopop! Records. While it did not match the chart peak of their debut, it was praised for its experimental edge, incorporating elements of post-punk and electronic music. The band has since collaborated with artists like The Xcerts and toured extensively across Europe, maintaining a strong connection with their fanbase through independent channels.
Fans of Amateur Takes Control often appreciate the work of similar UK-based indie rock acts. The Xcerts share a similar passion for melodic, high-energy rock anthems. Blood Red Shoes mirror their raw, guitar-driven duo dynamic and powerful live presence. Martha embodies a comparable DIY ethos and punk-inflected indie pop sensibility. The Big Moon operates in a similar sphere of clever, guitar-based indie rock with sharp harmonies.
The music of Amateur Takes Control maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on alternative rock radio stations and dedicated indie music shows. Their tracks are regularly featured in the rotations of online rock radio streams that champion guitar music, ensuring their songs reach both long-time fans and new listeners.
Listeners can explore the evolving catalog of Amateur Takes Control by tuning into the indie and alternative rock stations featured on onairium.com. Their journey from basement recordings to chart success is a testament to the power of DIY spirit in modern rock, and it continues to be broadcast to a global audience through our curated radio platforms.
