Review By Glen Parkes
When a band decides to record a live studio album at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, expectations are understandably high. Thankfully, Marisa and The Moths don’t just meet those expectations—they bulldoze through them. With Live in Studio 3, Abbey Road, the Reading-based modern alt-rock band delivers a no-frills, high-intensity performance that captures everything that’s made them one of the UK’s most talked-about underground acts in recent years. Released on July 4th, this live LP is more than a rehash of old tracks; it’s a reimagining of them through the lens of pure, unfiltered performance.
The album opens with fan-favourite “Needy,” and from the first seconds, it’s clear this isn’t going to be a sterile studio session. The pre-song chatter is left in, adding authenticity and atmosphere—like you’ve slipped behind the velvet curtain to witness a private rehearsal. Marisa Rodriguez’s powerhouse vocals waste no time making their mark, soaring above the mix with conviction and vulnerability. Backed by Liam James Barnes on bass, Alez D’Elia’s razor-sharp guitar, and Alex Ribchester’s rock-solid drumming, “Needy” sets a blazing standard for what’s to come.
“Skin” follows, and it’s a slow-burning alt-rock anthem that’s beautifully constructed. The band expertly balances tension and release, layering harmonies over distortion-rich guitars. Rodriguez’s vocal control is stunning—one moment it’s a whisper, the next, a hurricane.
Next up is “Who Are You Waiting For?” a haunting, melodic cut that leans into the band’s more introspective side. With an aching vulnerability, the song explores themes of longing and internal conflict, punctuated by a stirring instrumental build that mirrors the emotional crescendo.
On “SAD,” the band dig deep into grunge influences while staying unmistakably contemporary. It’s sludgy, it’s melodic, and it’s angry in all the right ways. Rodriguez channels a near-spoken-word tone in the verses, only to erupt in the chorus. This track proves that the band isn’t afraid to let things get heavy—in both tone and tempo.
“Get It Off My Chest” is catharsis set to a pounding rhythm. It’s punchy, upfront, and unapologetically honest. The track plays like a late-night confession at full volume, offering both intensity and relief in equal measure.
“Choke” turns up the tempo and aggression. A spiralling, urgent rocker, it sees the band clicking like a well-oiled machine. D’Elia’s guitar riffs are feral, while the rhythm section delivers a pummelling backbone. It’s a highlight not just for its sound but for its energy—you can practically hear the sweat hitting the studio floor.
“Pedestal” slows things back down with a moody, brooding arrangement. This is where Rodriguez’s emotional intelligence as a performer really shines—each lyric is delivered with palpable sincerity. There’s a slight atmospheric shimmer that dances just behind the instrumentation, giving the song a cinematic feel.
The set ends on “Borderline,” a fitting closer that brings everything full circle. The track combines emotional weight, lyrical depth, and soaring musicality to deliver a gut punch of a finale. It leaves you breathless and wanting more.
What sets Live in Studio 3 apart is its blend of polish and spontaneity. It’s a rarity to find a live recording that feels both urgent and airtight, but that’s exactly what Marisa and The Moths have achieved here. There’s no studio trickery to hide behind—just raw, emotive musicianship.
More than a greatest-hits live compilation, this album feels like a mission statement. Each track plays like a chapter in an unfolding story, one filled with rage, redemption, reflection, and resilience. It’s also a tribute to the band’s late friend and supporter Martin Hopkins, who helped fund the original recording and to whom the album is dedicated—a poignant reminder of the community that surrounds this band.
Marisa and The Moths aren’t just showing what they can do live—they’re staking their claim as one of the UK’s most emotionally articulate and musically fearless bands in the alt-rock landscape. This release captures the essence of who they are: a group that finds catharsis through creation, inviting listeners to do the same.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, Live in Studio 3, Abbey Road is an electrifying listen. It’s as close as you’ll get to a Moths gig without being front row—and after hearing it, you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss the next one.
One of My Albums of the year looking forward to seeing them at Maid of Stone 2025 9/10
Fierce, focused, and emotionally charged. This is how live rock albums should sou
+ There are no comments
Add yours