Openers, HCK9, blend electronica and hard rock to powerful effect, with ‘Tell Me It Gets Better’ capturing the haunted emotion of early Linkin Park. ‘Our Souls’ (arseholes—geddit?) is dedicated to the government and ignites a crowd who’ve been basking in the rare April sunshine.
Second outfit of the night, fellow Londoners Black Orchid Empire, deliver a more straightforward melodic hard rock sound, exemplified in tracks like ‘Hydrogen’ and new single ‘Angelfire’. The standout, however, is ‘Evergreen’ – almost operatic in its grandiose delivery – while ‘Now We’re Talking’ throws a curveball with its grungy edge reminiscent of Mudhoney.
And on to headliners, Marisa & The Moths’. Their iconic frontwoman is on blistering form tonight, leading her band through a set of anthemic, dark, and moody rock. Early highlight ‘Skin’ sets the tone, while ‘Borderline’ – dedicated to “all the weirdos in the crowd” – feels like the angrier cousin of Christina Aguilera’s ‘Beautiful’.
Marisa stuns the audience with a solo acoustic rendition of ‘If You Knew’, offering a moment of emotional intimacy before the band returns with ‘Choke’, closing the night with a euphoric, full-room singalong.
With tight performances, passionate vocals, and a crowd loving every minute, it’s a perfect start to the summer gig season.
