Live Review: Marisa and the Moths – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
11th April 2025
Support: Black Orchid Empire, HCK9
Words & Photos: Martin Hingley
A sunny Friday evening at the Brudenell Social Club sets the scene for a masterclass performance from Marisa and The Moths. As I arrive at the venue, the beer garden is already buzzing with fans soaking up the last of the sunshine before heading inside for the night ahead.
Opening the show are London outfit HCK9 (Half Cut K9), who hit the stage promptly to a decent crowd considering their early slot and the temptation of the weather outside. Drawing on influences like Nine Inch Nails and Radiohead, they get the night off to a strong start, with many in the crowd singing along to their offerings.
Vocalist James Brown delivers a gritty vocal performance, screaming through choruses before dialling things back for more delicate verses, and occasionally picking up the guitar himself. While the rest of the band remain silent between tracks, their smiles say it all: they’re loving every minute on stage. Brown takes the lead in chatting with the audience, and the band’s chemistry is clear.
Although it would have been nice to see a live bassist instead of a backing track, HCK9 deliver an engaging set full of crowd interaction, charisma, and a confident stage presence that sets the tone for the rest of the night.
Things take a heavier turn as Black Orchid Empire tear into their set with a complex, melodic style that gets heads banging across the room. They bring something very different to tonight’s line-up, offering a level of musical intricacy that clearly appeals to those in the crowd after something more metal.
Despite their vocal commitments at mic stands, the band make full use of the stage, grabbing every opportunity to move front and centre. Vocally, they blend deep, heavy tones with soaring high notes that many would struggle to hit, all while staying perfectly in sync, especially on their latest release Angelfire.
With intricate riffs, hard-hitting bass lines and catchy, repeating choruses, Black Orchid Empire leave the crowd fully primed for tonight’s headliners.
Having spent the evening supporting the other bands (even filming their sets), it’s finally time for Marisa and The Moths to take the stage. As the band step out, cheers erupt, followed by a light-hearted moment as a guitar tech runs on to plug in Marisa’s guitar jack, prompting laughter from both the band and the crowd and setting the tone for a relaxed, feel-good show.
They dive straight into debut album opener Needy, and the crowd immediately become the band’s backing singers. On one side of the stage, guitarist Alez D’Elia struts with flair, laying down bluesy riffs, while bassist Liam Barnes brings serious rockstar energy on the other, complete with sunglasses and a Stetson. Together, they flank Marisa, whose powerhouse vocals lead the charge as the band move into tracks from their latest album What Doesn’t Kill You, including Get It Off My Chest, Fake It Till You Make It, and Borderline. Marisa offers snippets of background before each song, giving the night a personal touch.
“Now’s your time to go to the bar,” jokes Liam as the rest of the band leave the stage, leaving him to perform a solo track he originally shared during the Covid-19 lockdowns. It’s a country-tinged number with a Lynyrd Skynyrd vibe and showcases Liam’s talent on vocals and guitar.
When Marisa returns, the show takes a more emotional turn. She introduces a song written at a time when she considered giving up music, and visibly holds back tears before delivering a heartfelt performance that resonates across the room.
Then it’s back to full throttle as the band return to finish the night with some of their more upbeat tracks. At one point, Liam loses the batteries from his pack in the crowd during the evening’s only mosh pit, and there’s a final laugh as drummer Liam James is caught vaping between songs by his bandmates.
With just two albums under their belt, Marisa and The Moths are not only one of the nicest bands on the circuit, but also one of the coolest. They’re a tight unit; from Marisa’s powerful vocals to Liam and Alez’s killer bass and guitar work. Keep an eye on them as they continue to tour the UK and gear up for Steelhouse Festival this summer.
Photo credits: Martin Hingley
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