album review
16/07/2025 - MARISA AND THE MOTHS, LIVE (IN THE STUDIO)
Credit: MARISA AND THE MOTHS ALBUM ARTWORK // IAN CHEEK PRESS
Words by Jord Hailwood
Five years ago, Marisa and The Moths made their mark with their self-titled debut, which indicated the arrival of something fresh and intensely honest in the UK rock scene. Since then, the band has transformed into one of the most relatable and emotional acts in modern alternative rock, and now, with the release of their first live album, they have stepped up their game, adding to their legacy.
Titled Live (In The Studio) at Abbey Road, the album exceeds expectations of what a live album can accomplish. I am not a massive fan of the concept of live albums, usually. I tend to find live albums flat and unnecessary, but this one is engaging and connective. As a listener, it feels like I’m in the room with them, caught in the real-time energy of the moment.
The performance quality is immersively striking, but what is undoubtedly impressive is the humanity behind it. Little moments, like a team member saying, “Marisa and The Moths, take one” before the band launches into Needy, or Marisa’s adorable, unguarded laugh after Get It Off My Chest, create a sense of intimacy and presence rarely captured on live recordings. These aren’t simply songs being played; they are shared experiences.
The authenticity has been at the core of the band’s identity. Following their debut in 2020, their second album What Doesn’t Kill You marked a signifcant milestone in their career, debuting at number one on the UK Rock and Metal Albums chart, a testmenet to their growing, loyal fanbase and the power of what message they’re trying to create, Much of their success stems not only from their talent but also their openess to discuss personal and often difficult topics, especially surrouding mental health.
The vulnerability is at the forefront of this live album. You can sense it within every track, from the vocals to the guitar swells and lyrical delivery. Each song provides its own monumental part to the live album's journey, unravelling layers on the themes of self-doubt, resilience, anxiety and healing. Whether it's the emotional complexity of Who Are You Waiting For or the explosive catharsis of Get It Off My Chest, the band doesn’t shy away from providing the best performance.
Marisa’s vocals are exceptional throughout. Her range is purely stunning, gliding effortlessly between her angelic clarity and raw screams that sound like they’re directly from the soul. This is a skill I noticed particularly on Skin. This dynamic is a rarity, a technical flex and successfully gives the songs both texture and gravity.
Instrumentally, the band is instinctual, with chemistry that only years of touring and inevitable bonding can build. The grit of grunge is ever-present, but so is a melodic sensitivity that keeps each track grounded in emotional storytelling. The live arrangements demonstrate new life into familiar songs, often amplifying their impact rather than merely replicating the studio versions.
Live (In The Studio) is more than just a milestone for the band; it’s a celebration of their achievements so far. It documents their growth from a promising debut act into one of the most compelling voices in modern rock, all while staying true to the themes that have always defined them: honesty, pain, hope and connection.
For longtime fans, it’s a gift, a raw, unfiltered love letter to the community they’ve built. For new listeners, it’s a powerful gateway into a band that doesn’t just play music but lives it.
Rating - 4/5
Favourite Tracks - Needy, Who Are You Waiting For & Get It Off My Chest
