Album review: VIRGINMARYS – Beyond the House of Fires

Website [Release date 22.05.26]

The Virginmarys new album is both new and old, in that is their reinterpretation of their most recent album, 2024’s ‘Beyond the House of Fires’. This time around the Virginmarys – Ally Dickaty and Danny Dolan – go for an atmospheric sound; Pink Floyd, Muse and Neil Young, as opposed to the album’s original punk/alt rock sound.

On first listen you do need to check that this is indeed the Virginmarys you are listening to, as their usual punk bite and alt vibe are gone. In their place we have some wonderfully imaginative soundscapes, none more so than on opener ‘My Nettle’. This song, and all of the sings on here, don’t lose any of the bite they had on the original album, they just use a different musical path to still make the listener sit up and take notice.

The drums come into their own on ‘Urban Seagull’, as do the lyrics, which come through loud and clear. The bleak ‘There Ain’t No Future’ is another powerful, hard hitter in both lyrically and the passionate delivery of Ally Dickaty.

‘Lies, Lies, Lies’ has a Muse vibe, and again the piano and drums combine to great effect.

A brave move which works a treat! These reworkings – heavy on the piano, vocal arrangements and drums – will win them a whole new set of fans. If you think you knew the Virginmarys, think again. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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