Partner live at the Horseshoe Tavern

All photos by Benjamin Bush
All photos by Benjamin Bush

The dynamic duo of Josée Caron and Lucy Niles doesn’t work simply because they are “just two gay Canadians”. The best friends, born and bred in the small university town of Sackville, New Brunswick, are very genuine souls whose values, dreams and interests have perfectly entwined to create Partner; a rock ’n roll act that ignites each stage they touch, and whose performances feel as intimate as if the girls were serenading you in your own living room.

Having already taken Toronto by storm back in May for CMW, playing a heralded three-night stint at the Silver Dollar Room (who hosted Courtney Barnett for the same consecutive residency during NXNE 2014), the hype surrounding Partner’s headlining gig at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern on September 21 was real. Taking to the stage shortly after 11, greeted by the roaring approval of the solid crowd, brimming with loyal friends and supporters, Josée and Lucy immediately kicked things into high gear. So much so, that their amp actually blew midway through the set. Handling a situation that would be any musician’s nightmare with grace and humour, the pair took the unexpected break to engage with the audience, telling funny stories and filling the room with laughter and warmth. Partner reminded us all that even the worst fluke is an easy fix when you are with in good company.

With every guitar lick, dance move and cheeky grin exchanged between members, the foundation of Partner’s masterful live show is built upon vulnerability, humbleness, and absolute honesty. Nothing is forced about the connections between Josée, Lucy, and their solid backline of Kevin Brasier, Brendan Allison and Dan Legere. With each moment taken to pause and thank everyone for coming out, you could feel every ounce of their gratitude. With every laugh shared, you felt as if you had been friends with the group for years. What’s so special about Partner is that they simply just are. They have nothing to hide but everything to gain.

Review by Ava Muir, photos by Ben Bush

Josée Caron

Josée Caron

Lucy Niles

Lucy Niles

14344314_311133749261898_3649081647437567385_n

1936678_311132902595316_6190688815886785041_n

14354917_311133309261942_1853477366029882245_n

14364623_311133132595293_237734559118715321_n

14364757_311132985928641_3398009753376688747_n

14364901_311133089261964_254731575789101092_n

14370138_311133119261961_4623406189084007574_n

14370318_311133052595301_4360307102237388421_n

14370318_311133229261950_5033715617637115425_n

14370336_311133855928554_4612762920554558203_n

 

14390653_311132925928647_3248920556177972043_n

 

 

14433101_311133242595282_61412536420011558_n

14433203_311133629261910_8721748127862465021_n

14440729_311133789261894_9222215365943230723_n

14440790_311133859261887_9151919055420531625_n

14440952_311133895928550_1596979515131766459_n

14440986_311133139261959_6736216590486326682_n

14441173_311133495928590_5915267474031486432_n

 

14445999_311133852595221_2898831952890429964_n

14446099_311133615928578_9152791111914514956_n

14446191_311133955928544_8742785280108479499_n

14448926_311134009261872_5591800109345064489_n

14448995_311133559261917_6341646715978842362_n

14449735_311133962595210_5554247892361079119_n

14454535_10155265865494689_2117304235_n

14457441_311132992595307_3766351398217420601_n

14457504_311133585928581_2248902889895508869_n

14457550_311133762595230_8818388497567446270_n

Advertisement

Looking for something new to listen to?

Sign up to our all-new newsletter for top-notch reviews, news, videos and playlists.