The Partisans

The Partisans Time Was Right LP

I’ve always been partial to the unique punk stylings of the PARTISANS, and their latest album, which contains one side of studio and one of live tracks, is quite strong. Most of the studio material has a richly arranged, dense rock ’n’ roll flavor, but with an abrasive hardcore edge. Their new version of “I Never Needed You” is much more raw and powerful, and the meaty, mid-tempo pop-punk title track is surely the best. The live songs are also excellently recorded.

• Reviewer Steve Spinali
• Label Cloak & Dagger
• Issue MRR #15 • July 1984

The Partisans Blind Ambition EP

The PARTISANS are getting slower and slower with each new release. On this EP, there are two plodding numbers and one better mid-tempo ditty (“Change”). Aside from an occasional quirk, none of the songs are particularly memorable.

• Reviewer Jeff Bale
• Label Cloak & Dagger
• Issue MRR #9 • October/November 1983

The Partisans The Partisans LP

Both consistent and powerful, this debut album by the PARTISANS contains a bevy of fine composition exploring themes of social protest and youth rebellion. An exciting version of “17 Years of Hell” accompanies new streamrollers like “No U-Turns” and “I Never Needed You”—possibly the best material this band has ever committed to vinyl. A lyric sheet would have been appreciated, but it’s more than made up for by the twelve straightforward, unpretentious punk anthems here.

• Reviewer Steve Spinali
• Label No Future
• Issue MRR #5 • March/April 1983

The Partisans 17 Years of Hell EP

It’s got those UK punk choruses OK. Straight-ahead delivery, but not as supercharged as their first release.

• Reviewer Tim Yohannan
• Label No Future
• Issue MRR #1 • July/August 1982