Review and Images by Paul McWilliams
Pet Needs turned Manchester’s Deaf Institute into a pressure cooker of noise, sweat and pure adrenaline, proving once again why they’re one of the most exciting punk-leaning alt-rock bands currently tearing up the UK circuit. The intimate venue, with its 260-cap room packed wall to wall, created the perfect environment for the Essex four-piece to deliver a show that felt immediate, unfiltered and brimming with energy.
From the moment the band walked onstage, the crowd was already restless with anticipation. Pet Needs didn’t waste a second easing into things—they hit the gas straight away with The Age That You Were, firing the opening shot of what would become a relentless 18-song set. The sound was loud, sharp and chaotic in all the right ways, capturing the raw spirit that makes their live shows so beloved.
Frontman Johnny Marriott was the driving force at the centre of it all. His vocals carried that trademark blend of snarl, humour and heart, and he spent much of the night leaning into the crowd, shouting choruses inches from fans who were shouting right back. It blurred the line between performer and audience, giving the gig a communal, “we’re all in this together” atmosphere. Meanwhile, George Marriott’s guitar work sliced cleanly through the noise—tight riffs, buzzing tones, and melodic lines that gave each track extra bite.
Much of the set drew from their latest album, Intermittent Fasting, and every one of those newer songs landed with conviction. Pavlovian, Separation Anxiety and Fear for the Whole Damn World demonstrated how the band have sharpened their songwriting, pushing into darker emotional territory without losing their playful edge. Fans responded with the same intensity, suggesting these tracks are already becoming staples of their shows.
Older favourites brought some of the night’s biggest reactions. Tracey Emin’s Bed triggered a surge of movement from the front rows, while Toothpaste saw the entire room bouncing in unison. These “anti-anthems”, as the band like to call them, capture the perfect mix of frustration and humour, making them impossible not to shout along to. Tour Worn, drenched in relatable exhaustion and honesty, was another standout, delivered with a punch that hit even harder in the live setting.
What makes Pet Needs so compelling onstage isn’t just the songs—it’s the sheer chemistry between the four musicians. Bass and drums locked into tight, propulsive grooves that never let the energy dip. Even during quieter or more reflective moments, like the opening of Lost Again, the crowd remained fully engaged. The band know exactly how to pace a set, and the order of the songs kept momentum building right up to the end.
The final stretch of the show was a full-throttle sprint. Scratch Card and Nobody Ever Warned Us sparked huge reactions, and by the time Pet Needs tore into Get on the Roof as the closer, the room felt like it might just burst from the collective energy. Fans were shouting the lyrics with full force, arms in the air, sweat dripping, smiles everywhere. It was the kind of ending that makes a live show feel like a release, a celebration, and a cathartic moment all at once.
What sets Pet Needs apart from many rising bands is the sincerity at the heart of their chaos. Beneath the frantic tempos and raw vocals, there’s a genuine sense of connection—a desire to make every person in the room feel part of the moment. At the Deaf Institute, that connection was unmistakable. It wasn’t just a gig; it was an experience shared between band and fans who clearly adore them.
By the time the lights came up, everyone was buzzing, grinning, and a little breathless. Pet Needs didn’t just put on a good show—they delivered a great one, proving that their reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting live acts is absolutely deserved. If this gig is anything to go by, their momentum is only growing, and bigger stages won’t be far behind.
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