Marisa and the Moths - Jan 23 Unlike the hundreds of people who claim to have been at the Sex Pistols legendary first gig at Manchester’s Lesser Free Trade Hall in 1976, I can safely state that I wasn’t there. I can confirm that I was at the first Marisa and the Moths gig at Reading’s Purple Turtle back in April 2018 (as part of the always excellent ‘Are You Listening’ festival). So tonight, almost five years later and back at the Purple Turtle, would be an opportunity to see how far the band has progressed following the release of their ‘Damned If I Do’ EP and in anticipation of their sophomore album to be launched later this year.

By the time first band Bloodhounds hit the stage there is already a sizeable crowd forming, so not bad for a Sunday night in Reading. With a name like Bloodhounds this was never going to be a sedate affair. Bringing an updated 90s/00s grunge to the stage, the five piece have a powerful heavy rock sound.

Singer Joe has that classic 90s vocal style switching from gravelly singing to all out screaming and his banter with the audience reminds me a little of Frank Turner (if he was fronting a grunge band rather than his hardcore exploits with Mongol Horde). Throughout the set we have pounding rhythms, catchy hooks, thrash guitars and screeching solos which pulsate throughout the venue. Songs such as ‘Drip Fed’ and ‘We Are Not The Same’ deserve to heard – a fine band that I will be keeping an eye on.

Rilas Edge - Jan 23 I wasn’t sure of Rila’s Edge at first as they came across a bit too poppy for me, but the variation in their material slowly won me over. Another five piece, the band produce an enjoyable indie stadium rock sound with Alfie’s vocals being a strong point. The guitars have that early U2/Bunnymen feel to them whilst allowing the band to let rip when needed. An excellent cover of Queens of the Stone Age’s No One Knows’ with bassist George on vocals nicely demonstrates the band’s ability to have fun.

Bloodhounds - Jan 23 There’s been a fair few changes in the Marisa and the Moths lineup since I first saw them, but the core of Marisa and Liam have remained steadfast with the more recent lockdown additions of Alez and Alex nicely slotting in on lead guitar and drums.

Last time I’d seen the band, we had special appearances from former guitarists Chris Merton and Sophie Lloyd (weeks before she headed off on a huge US arena with Machine Gun Kelly) in a gig that celebrated both the past and future horizons. Tonight was defiantly looking forward with a number of new songs being interspersed amongst the favourites from the debut album, along with the news that the band were making their debut on Radio 1 the following night.

Marisa and the Moths - Jan 23 Opening with ’10.69’ the band power into one of the many high points of the debut album. Full of classic riffs and Marisa’s soaring vocals, this is always a strong opening statement and Alez gets his first solo of many. The crowd love it and the band launch into ‘Skin’ with its huge chorus. Alex and Liam effortlessly feed off each other whilst Liam prowls the stage making use of the minimal barriers to lean into the crowd.

‘Pedestal’ from the current ‘Damned If I Do’ EP is next and has a nice riff taking centre stage. Lead track from the EP, ‘If I Knew’, is a slower song in the vein of ‘Black Hole Sun’ and it works especially in the later stages when Marisa’s vocals take the song to a new level and the restrained guitar solo makes it sound epic.

Marisa and the Moths - Jan 23 ‘Choke’ is next with its signature motif feeding into another massive chorus and its crutching middle eight. ‘How Did You Get So Weak’ is another classic tune from the debut album and demonstrates why the band are getting so many positive reviews in rock circles.

The current line up play the material with so much ease and there is clear comradery between them, and Alez in particular is given room to put his own slant on the older material. ‘Easy Target’ slows the set down and is more restrained but still has that rush of power in the chorus that the band have become known for. ‘Slave’ keeps the momentum up whilst the gentle ‘Baby Goodnight’ is a welcome change of pace.

‘Human’ with its multiple pace changes lets the band loose as it charges furiously towards the end of the set. Closing with the excellent fan favourite ‘Needy’, this has been an excellent and well received home town gig. 

Marisa and the Moths - Jan 23 In celebratory mood, the band encore with the latest single of the EP, the excellent ‘Wither Away’ which further increases expectations for the new album when it arrives. Persuaded to play one more song, we are treated to another new currently unreleased song that continues the strong vibe for the album.

Despite the setbacks caused by the pandemic, Marisa and the Moths have come through a much stronger band and this version of the band is proving itself to be very adept both live and on record. The future is looking very good.

Marisa and the Moths - Jan 23