ALBUM REVIEW: Live In Studio 3, Abbey Road – Marisa And The Moths
Grunge rockers, MARISA AND THE MOTHS, have put out their live studio album, Live In Studio 3, Abbey Road. For most artists, to have the opportunity to record and perform at the legendary studio is something never to be taken for granted, a fact that MARISA AND THE MOTHS are more than aware of with frontwoman, Marisa Rodriguez, calling it a pinch-me moment. The opportunity itself came from the support and crowdfunding of fans, including close friend and fan, Martin Hopkins, who sadly passed away a short while after the recording took place, with the record itself being dedicated to him.
Anyone familiar with MARISA AND THE MOTHS is more than aware of the sheer power when it comes to their music and live performances, more so of the raw, heavier sound heard during said shows with this recording aiming to capture that. A goal very much achieved from start to finish.
Opening things with Needy, we can hear feedback, vocal warmups and general chatter before someone announces this as take one where the official performance starts. Things start out, relatively, laidback with vocals alongside low strumming guitar that draws you in, your attention fully grabbed before the full band comes in and kicks off into alternative grunge territory. You can’t help but sit in awe as you hear the power, the chemistry, and the raw vulnerability in the vocals, a factor that remains a constant throughout the live recording.
With Marisa’s voice there is such range where one minute you find yourself feeling emotional and in awe in moments that remind you of EVANESCENCE, both instrumentally and vocally, with songs like Choke that feel nostalgic of the album Fallen with their blend of theatrical rock and nu-metal. And then in the next minute, her vocals have shifting into stunning growls that have you sat open mouthed and then ready to bow down for this worthy contender to take the crown for rock-metal vocals.
Yet the main driving force behind MARISA AND THE MOTHS is the emotionally driven lyrics and themes, with their previous record What Doesn’t Kill You focusing on Marisa leaving an abusive relationship and the toll it took on her mental health. They are one of those bands who can make you feel what they feel whether as someone who went through a similar experience or as someone listening to their story, you share in their emotionally driven moments, with songs like SAD and Pedestal making you want to sing along as you sway with your eyes closed. Likely also holding your hands to your heart.
MARISA AND THE MOTHS are a powerful, rising force within the rock scene and this live album shows us exactly why that is. It’s just truly beautiful and something that fans have to listen to.
Rating: 8/10
Live At Studio 3, Abbey Road is out now via Tonesick Records.
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