Album review: MARISA AND THE MOTHS – What Doesn’t Kill You

Tonesick Records [Release date 03.05.24]

I first became aware of Marisa And The Moths during Lockdown and they ultimately produced some excellent stripped back versions of their songs, not least a truly wonderful version of ‘Choke’. At that time they also had Sophie Lloyd in their ranks but the guitarist left soon after. I assume she had become a major distraction judging by her solo videos/marketing that followed.

This is MATM’s second album and they completed a successful series of UK dates following release in early May. We’ve already had a sneak preview of songs with the release of an EP in early 2023 and this lends an air of familiarity for those who have followed them since.

The band are fronted by Marisa Rodriguez who also writes the material. This reflects a number of prominent (and topical) issues – borne from personal experience – reflected in songs like ‘Gaslight’ and ‘Wither Away’. Great support throughout from guitarist Alessio D’Elia, bass player Liam James Barnes and drummer Alex Ribchester.

‘Cursed’ is an unexpected and confident opener, a ballad that benefits from a symphonic backing and puts the band firmly in Evanescence-style quality territory. Halestorm will be another band that springs to mind.

Elsewhere the album is a mix of grungey and angsty rockers like ‘Get It Off My Chest’ and ‘Who Are You Waiting For’. An uplifting chorus is never far away and only ‘Devil You Know’ deviates slightly with an untypical shouty metalcore vocal (Marisa otherwise excels throughout).

This – an album borne out of societal frustration, broken relationship and mental/health issues – is a torch for Marisa to carry forward. Rock’s Taylor Swift for the Gen-Z’s? ****

Review by David Randall

UK dates
Jun 07: Leeds Brudenell Social Club
Jun 08: Newcastle Grove

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)