Album Review: Marisa And The Moths – Self Titled

Marisa And The Moths are set to unveil their self titled debut album in just a few days time, it’s a release that has a familiar sound as it contains elements that bear comparison to everything from Evanesence through to Hands Off Gretel‘s more polished moments, and especially the radio friendly alternative rock of the Foo Fighters as well as a host of 90’s grunge, rock and alternative bands. Marisa And The Moths debut full length isn’t just an exercise in nostalgia as this is also a deeply personal recording that documents and addresses vocalist Marisa Rodriguez‘s struggles with anxiety and everyday sexism.

The album’s first track “Needy” follows a classic path, a mellower chugging verse leads into an explosive chorus, the vocals soar and the triple guitar attack comes into it’s own when the song kicks into an emotionally charged chorus. There are a fair few tracks that follow the path of alternating quiet and loud passages, but mixed in with this are a few emotive power ballads and a few straight up rock songs, but for me it’s their more driven songs where Marisa And The Moths come into their own, especially the blistering single “Skin“

Moths are widely known as creatures that divide opinion, some find them disturbing whilst for others they are a source of fascination, there’s a good parallel here for their chosen moniker. Marisa And The Moths are a band that will polarise opinions, for some they will be flying too close to the mainstream, for others this will be a slab of anthemic grunge tinted rock done just as it oughta be. Whatever you opinion it must be said that this is a very accomplished debut album, the production is flawless and it feels like the work of a perfectionist who has carefully woven influences from across the last three decades together. 

Marisa And The Moths self titled debut album can be pre-ordered via iTunes here and the band’s website is here