A breeze with a pinch of extra zest envelops the aura surrounding the members of Marisa And The Moths, who certainly have a lot to celebrate on this occasion. With the new album release of What Doesn’t Kill You, a string of packed-out tour dates, and hitting No. 1 in the UK Rock charts during release week, the London show marks a memorable milestone for this band.
Marisa And The Moths
The Underworld, Camden – 12 May 2024
Words: Dany Jones
Photography: Dominic Beaven
Add to that an impromptu on-stage marriage proposal that leaves bassist Liam James Barnes literally floored, and this night has indeed fast become one for the books.
Marisa And The Moths deliver a powerful and emotive performance, leaving fans exhilarated and clamouring for more. The evening is marked by dynamic energy, competent musicianship, and heartfelt interactions that showcase why this band is rapidly climbing the ranks.
The show opens with a string interlude and Marisa Rodriguez welcoming the crowds with a solo intro. Dressed in a dramatic cape, her entrance is theatrical; however, it is her display of soulful vocal acrobatics and operatic wailing that rapidly take centre stage.
Once joined by the rest of the band, and quickly shedding the garment, she is handed a guitar by her helpful tech, and proceedings can officially commence.
MATM deliver a polished, tight performance, finished by skilful melodic twists and memorable refrains. Their aficionados sing entire choruses back to them in a circle of call and response, and cheers erupt every time they get coaxed by the singer.
The band have been generous in offering a substantial back catalogue.
The extended set includes hits of the likes of Choke and How Did You Get So Weak? from their first self-titled album, all the way to their most recent hits.
Carefully crafted with an alternating swing between mellow and up-tempo, the sassy Wither or the racy Get It Off My Chest pave the way to the atmosphere of Just Like Me, only to then resume the energy with the playful SAD.
With Borderline, the singer takes a moment to reflect on the emotion brought up by this song which, not only marks the official entry of their new guitarist into the band, but it is the first single release that has helped catapulting their record straight to the top of the charts. 
It was also touching to witness a quick stage changeover, when a surprise guest appears from behind the curtains and drops on one knee right before the bassist.
All accomplices, the band quickly change into a ‘Marry Me’ T-shirt, and they all adorn an emotional proposal which has left their companion literally speechless.
It has taken Liam quite some time to compose himself for his Bon Jovi-esque solo performance of Porch, which made for a pleasant intermission.
More of the same, and the evening closes with cheers begging for an encore, by which point the band oblige with the acclaimed Needy. This sees the singer literally land on her knees to express her gratitude for this eventful night.
A little tired perhaps in the proposition of the ever so familiar alt-rock formula, it is undeniable that the driving force of this band is the powerhouse of vocal expression that is Marisa Rodriguez. Sultry, stylish and incredibly gifted, her musical prowess certainly stands out from the rest.
Nonetheless, the musicians follow with cohesive energy and deliver with adequacy. The Underworld has witnessed a night of delectable music and plenty of emotional highs, cementing the Marisa And The Moths family as a rightful act in the Rock world.
Marisa And The Moths new album ‘What Doesn’t Kill You’ Produced by Pete Dowsett.
This is absolutely a modern masterpiece. Reaching No 1 in the UK Rock Album Charts in the first week of release…
Looking forward to seeing see these Moths really fly this Year! They are incredible!