Marisa and the Moths Bring the Energy to Dreamland

Word and Photos by Dave Martin/Faversham Photography

On a dark and dank day in Margate Marisa and the Moths took to the stage to brighten the days of the crowd in the ballroom as part of their tour supporting Chris Jericho’s Fozzy.

The band entered the stage to loud applause and Marisa took no time addressing the audience “How are we feeling Margate?” which was met with equally loud cheers. The band were animated from the off with bassist Liam Barnes jumping and spinning on his side of the stage before Marisa vocals started on opening track “Get it Off My Chest”. Guitarist Alez D’Elia took to the front of the stage to interact with those positioned at the barrier before Liam straddled the space between the barrier and the stage giving the crowd an up-close demonstration of his talent.  The energy from the band and in the room in general was palpable in a way that is not often apparent with an opening act.

Second song “Wither Away” is an anxiety fuelled anthem that was the first of the evening to demonstrate Marisa’s ability to move from melody to screaming vocals demonstrating her singing versatility. During the song Liam climbed upon the speakers delivering his bass rhythms from up high. Marisa started clapping and those gathered joined in, in what was simply the start of the band crowd interactions during the evening.

After handing off her guitar Marisa announced new single “Nothing’s Getting Better” that is due to be released in the coming weeks. Drummer Alex Ribchesterdelivered a pounding intro, and Marisa started to sway her arm only for the crowd to join her.  Marisa again highlighted her audible changeability with contrasting vocal stylings within the track.

As Alez started the intro riff, Marisa requested the audience to get their torch lights out for the first verse, and many can be seen swaying their lights above their heads adding atmosphere to the emotional song. Marisa moved to Alez’s side for the solo before returning to her mic for the chorus and thanking the crowd as the song came to an end.

The next track up was “Skin”, taken from the band’s self-titled album release in 2019. Alez again took to the front of the stage as those assembled in Margate started to clap along. Liam continued to be animated on Marisa’s flank. Marisa’s vocalisations continued to entertain and the applause at the end of the song showed continued enjoyment for the band’s performance.  

Marisa starts penultimate song “Choke” by teaching the audience lines so they could join in. The band commenced with a call and response practice before starting the track proper. Joining in with arms swaying the people present also join in with the choruses. Marisa praised them for their participation and then came to the barrier briefly before returning to the stage. The instruments cut briefly as Marisa sang solo before the instruments returned and the crowd took over vocal duties.

For final song “Needy” Marisa started chugging on her guitar before adding the lyrics. Marisa, Alez and Liam all gravitated to each other playing side by side before parting and Liam again stood atop the speakers.  The band finished to rapturous applause bringing to a close as good an opening set as I have seen for a while.

Very rarely does an opening act illicit such energy and crowd interaction but Marisa and the Moths did exactly that and set up an electric evening in the ballroom at Dreamland.

Setlist: 1. Get it Off My Chest, 2. Wither Away, 3. Nothing’s Getting Better, 4. Borderline, 5. Skin, 6. Choke, 7. Needy