EP review: THE VIRGINMARYS – Sitting Ducks

Self Release [Release date 22.09.17]

The Virginmarys have had a roller coaster ride of a career to date, with many favourable plaudits for their music from the press, big name tour support slots and their debut album made the US Billboard Heatseekers chart (the chart for artists yet to have an album in the top 200 Billboard album chart) at number 8. Then towards the end of last year bassist Matt Rose left and the band’s record contract ended. Luckily for the remaining duo of Ally Dickaty (vocals, guitar) and Danny Dolan (drums), the band have a large and loyal fan base who allowed them the chance to self-release this new EP via Pledge Music.

Four songs on the EP, with the ultra catchy ‘Sweet Loretta’ already being released as a single. Big foot stomping beat and tight guitar riffs lift the song, along with an instant chorus. The Virginmarys are often categorised as a punk band, however they seem to go with their instincts as the EP’s title track is decent rocker driven by a synth riff and another memorable chorus.

‘Through The Sky’ features a neat guitar solo, although overall the song doesn’t match the other three songs on here. Last song on the EP, ‘Sleep’, slows the pace right down and is the strongest song lyrically. The minimal instrumentation on the song allows Ally Dickaty’s vocals to take centre stage.

The Virginmarys look set for their next musical chapter and based on this EP they have plenty of musical ideas left. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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