Marisa and the Moths Brudnell Review

Marisa and the moths Brudnell Social Club Leeds

Review and Photos By Erin Greasley

Marisa and the Moths weren’t a band that I’d seen before but I had much anticipation for, as they had been on my bucket list for a while. After listening to their latest album “What doesn’t kill you” since its release in May 2024, I knew I must attend one of the shows. 

Marisa and the Moths have quickly carved out a distinctive niche in the British rock scene with their powerful, emotionally charged performances and a strong sound that blends grunge grit with soaring melodic guitar riffs. Fronted by the formidable Marisa Rodriguez, the band delivers a raw and honest energy that resonates deeply with listeners. They first hit the stage with “Needy”, a song off their first album to really set the mood for the evening and engage the crowd. Before following through the set with some songs off their new album-representing their new stronger sound such as “Get it off my chest” and “Fake it till you make it”.  

Marisa and the band build a strong emotional connection with their audience, which is clearly represented through their music which tackles themes of vulnerability, resilience, and self-discovery, helping to ultimately create a cathartic and emotional atmosphere and experience for both the band and the audience. This on the night was clearly highlighted through Marisa’s lovely acoustic version of a song, very personal- written at a time when she wanted to give up music completely, delivering a heartfelt performance in which high emotions resonated across the full room. 

As the set kicks back off with “gaslight” really including the audience in engaging their anger into the music it completely shows Marisa’s complete diverse range of emotion and sound which is portrayed through her music- really keeping the audience on their toes for the unique sounds. 

As always, they love the audience participation and everyone was involved when glow sticks were passed around for everyone to involve themselves into the set, really lighting up the night and getting everyone moving around- even Liam who ended up losing a couple batteries enjoying himself dancing on the floor with the audience. Following on to “Devil” and the older song “Slave” from their previous album from 2020- “Marisa and the Moths”.  

The band’s strength lies in their ability to balance heavy, distorted instrumentals with Marisa’s captivating vocals. Her voice, capable of both delicate fragility and ferocious power, perfectly complements the band’s dynamic range. With Liam and Marisa sharing their jokes and quips at each other throughout the show; really getting the audience, it really represented the band’s tight chemistry and connection which they really represent within their music. 

Swiftly moving on through their set, they plahed familiar songs to the audience such as “How did you get so weak?” and “SAD”, it really highlighted how Marisa and the Moths have established their own identity through their introspective lyrics and a willingness to experiment with different sonic textures. 

Sadly the night was coming to an end, and although the crowd were sad the night was ending, they were more than happy to be involving themselves into the last song; grtting the building moving one more time with “Who are you waiting for?”, really engaging the audience one last time. 

For me, their music is not just about loud guitars and catchy hooks; it’s about connecting with listeners on a deeper level, offering a sense of solace and empowerment. With a growing fanbase and a steadily evolving sound, Marisa and the Moths are undoubtedly a band to watch in the British rock scene as there is definitely more to come.