I’ve been listening to the new album from Marisa and the Moths all week and this one caught me off guard, in a good way. Live (in the Studio) is a record full of peeks behind the curtain, raw talent and exceptional production. Recorded at the iconic Abbey Road’s Studio 3, it captures Marisa and the Moths at their very best. There’s a looseness to it, like you’re in the room with them, watching everything unravel as it’s being built back up. There’s chatter, take counts, laughter etc sprinkled in throughout that really adds to the charm of this one.
The opener Needy is messy, self-aware, and painfully honest. You can hear every detail in the vocals and that makes the whole thing feel even heavier. Same goes for Choke, which has this spiraling, claustrophobic feel to it, like someone pacing in circles and trying not to fall apart. It’s not polished, which you’d fully hope for and expect from an album like this, and that’s exactly why it works. Skin and Pedestal really stood out too. Skin is fiery and frantic, all bite and bark with a rhythm that almost feels like it’s tumbling over itself.
There’s something a bit more bruised about Who Are You Waiting For? And Get It Off My Chest. Both dig into the exhaustion that comes from being strung along, from showing up emotionally and getting nothing back. They feel like confessions you blurt out when you’re too tired to keep pretending you’re fine.
And then there’s Borderline, which might be the most quietly brilliant moment on the album. I was listening to the album earlier in the week while driving and this track was one that I loved instantly. It balances on that edge between chaos and calm, “I’m getting used to being out of my mind” is a simple but really great line. It’s like the band are beating this one out, and you’re just there, listening in.
To sum it up: Love (in the Studio) strips everything back and somehow ends up packing more of a punch. It’s not trying to be perfect, and that’s what makes it so compelling.The tracks flow seamlessly which is a great indication of the level of production on this one. This album helps these tracks to feel even more alive. And for 31 minutes, we get to sit in that space with them.
‘Live In Studio 3, Abbey Road’ scores its self a neat 8 out of 10
The album can be ordered from:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/live-in-studio-3-abbey-road-bonus-live-tracks
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography