Show Review: Marianas Trench – New York City, 9/27

Marianas Trench kicks off night one of two at Irving Plaza in New York City as part of The Force of Nature tour.

On the first of two nights in New York City, Marianas Trench took fans on a journey to a melodic haven during The Force of Nature tour performance at Irving Plaza on September 27th. Bringing along two strong female openers, PIAO and Casadee Pope, the lineup was stacked with energetic and powerful vocalists throughout the night.

Starting the night strong, PIAO commanded the stage solo, opening her set with “Neopet,” a track she released earlier this year. PIAO’s sound blends dreamy synth-pop with indie electronic elements, supported by her ethereal vocals, pulsing beats, and introspective lyrics. Taking a moment to connect with the crowd, PIAO reflected on how opening for Marianas Trench was a full-circle moment, having grown up as a fan of the band she was now supporting. Despite being alone on stage, she showcased her musical versatility, playing both guitar and piano, and even treating the audience to a cover of Paramore’s ‘Still Into You.’ PIAO’s energy had the crowd dancing and jumping, setting the perfect tone for the night ahead.

Second up was Cassadee Pope who kicked off her set with the fun, nostalgic track “Homecoming.” As the former lead singer of Hey Monday, she treated fans to favorites from those days, including “Wish You Were Here” and “How You Love Me Now,” while also showcasing songs from her latest album, Hereditary. Blending country, pop, punk, and rock within her tracks, Cassadee had the crowd jumping and singing as she ended her set with a track her solo-artist debut called “Wasting All These Tears,” a perfect closer that shows her journey from start to where she is now.

Finally, the highly anticipated headliners, Marianas Trench, took the stage. The band has not stepped foot in New York City since their last North American tour and the 2019 album Phantoms. Now, over five years later, the band is back and has since released their latest album, Haven, on August 30th, 2024. Haven draws inspiration from Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey, with each track guided by a key plot point from the narrative, as shared by lead singer Josh Ramsay.

Lights stayed low and smoke lightly covered the stage as Marianas Trench began to appear one by one. The introductory instrumental gradually built up, combining synthesizers, strings, and drums with the sounds of a rainstorm, before Josh Ramsay’s powerful and dramatic vocals took over the song, opening the setlist with “A Normal Life” the first track off their album Haven.

The night unfolded as Marianas Trench guided fans through a tumultuous musical journey, delivering a mix of fresh tracks from their latest album along with beloved fan favorites. After performing “A Normal Life,” they followed up with “Lightning and Thunder” and “I’m Not Getting Better,” both from Haven, before treating the crowd to older hits like “Here’s to the Zeros,” “Desperate Measures,” and a personal favorite, “All to Myself.”

Josh Ramsay’s commanding lead vocals were perfectly complemented by the harmonies from guitarist Matt Webb, bassist Mike Ayley, and drummer Ian Casselman, creating a rich, full sound that elevated every song, all while still playing their instruments with ease. The seamless blend of their voices added depth and emotion, captivating the audience and making the performance feel even more intimate and unforgettable. Throughout the night, Josh Ramsay matched the high energy, jumping into the crowd and staying for several songs to sing along, creating lasting memories for everyone.

Closing the night with “Haven,” the title track from their latest album, felt like a full-circle moment and was a perfect way to bring the whole show together. Marianas Trench gave fans everything they could ask for—new songs, old favorites, and those signature harmonies and theatrics they’re known for. From start to finish, the connection between the band and their fans was palpable as they delivered a show that would be imprinted in each fan’s mind. It’s clear Marianas Trench knows how to put on a performance for all to enjoy, making them a must-see while they’re on tour.

Catch Marianas Trench on The Force of Nature tour while you still can! Tour dates below:

September 12 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall

September 14 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues

September 15 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren

September 17 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues

September 18 – Houston, TX – House of Blues

September 20 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues

September 21 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre

September 22 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works

September 24 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore

September 25 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground

September 27 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza