Partisan at Pianos, NYC

A gig review by Rebecca Singer for Are We Alive?

Originally published on arewea.live

It was standing room only at Pianos, NYC, when Manchester band Partisan began their short but much anticipated US tour. The venue is a small one, with no dressing room for the band, so they stood with the crowd to watch the opening bands — Douglas Firs, Girls on Grass and Even Twice.

When the band finally took the stage, they tore straight into “Chemical Soup,” a brand new tune that immediately had the crowd jumping. The energy the lads gave off was evident. Excitement crackled in the air. If they felt any nerves at playing in New York, it didn’t show.

“Ashes” was another new tune as rambunctious as the first, followed by with the single “Two Lovers,” which drew massive applause and cheers from the audience. Stu beamed between songs, basking in the love being offered up.

“Pushing Up Daisies” sounded perfect live, as did “Juggernaut,” which again had the crowd pogo-ing around the room and singing along. “Animal” was a pure hard-rocking delight, and a cover of “Rockin’ in the Free World” had everyone singing along. Wrapping up the show were “Today Somehow” and “Coming Up.”

Partisan left the audience wanting more, singing their praises well after the show ended. Even the club’s bouncers — not knowing for being the most effusive of folk — said how well they thought Partisan had rocked the joint. High praise indeed!

It’s clear that Partisan are a band with a solid fanbase, a punchy, joyful sound, and a bright future.