Virginmarys subvert themselves in a collection of stunning new interpretations of their 2024 album.

UPWARDS AND…BEYOND

Beyond The House Of Fires…where the Virginmarys signature sound that mashes up punk, grunge, and alternative rock gets a bold yet subtle and atmospheric reinterpretation of the band’s 2024, highly personal album, The House Beyond The Fires.

“Our alternative version to The House Beyond The Fire,” say the less-dynamic-than-usual-but-still-pretty-intense Macc lad duo of Ally Dickaty and Danny Dolan. Their love for the old MTV-Unplugged format (remember that? until Springsteen went unplugged…) has been the motivation behind them showcasing a completely different and more intimate side of the songs. Not stripped right back to rudimentary acoustic guitar and bongos, but their own sense of rebelliousness taking things in an alt direction with different instrumentation and arrangements.

ANOTHER PLAIN

First appearing in 2022, Veteran Soldiers might have offered a hint of what to expect, yet the new arrangements present the songs on a totally different pallet, AND – perhaps/possibly the chance for the lyrics to take a clear position centre stage. As always, meaningful and full of insight, and alongside the dutifully crafted arrangements, maybe even generating a more raw nerve touching impact. Simply check out the controlled diatribe of You’re A Killer or the piano rolling accompaniment that lifts the bleak visions of Urban Seagull complete with miltary march tempo, onto another plain.

The subtle and classy arrangements kick off with a startling My Nettle whose instant impression is one of cool cabaret club or even windswept widescreen, until Ally’s easy croon shifts into something more desperate and familiar. Distant reverb guitar and ambience sets the scene perfectly.

BOND THEME CONTENDERS

Maintaining an air of impending threat and vulnerability, Dance To The City has its own little Bond moment – “the city does not love me” seems made for a big screen theme tune. Perhaps not the only contender – screenwriters and soundtrack compilers take note. Check the hypnotic piano lines – while thinking Tubular Bells ostinato – and the ease with which There Ain’t No Future slips into cinematic grandeur with the vernacular striking a jarring chord.

On the more skeletal side, the core of the album lies with the stunning White Knuckle Riding and Lies, Lies, Lies. The former shifting from Guy Garvey world weariness to full throated Lemmy as Ally struggles with the desperation of “barely surviving” grind (not surprisingly namechecking the M62); the desperation of the latter’s “everything is lost!” contrasts with a cleverly delivered (ie, calm but an underlying menace) narrative and set against an ominous rumble of piano notes. A style of arrangement in which the sweating pulse of Where Are You Now and, to a lesser degree, When The Lights Go Down bring a close the album.

MAJESTIC

The interesting aspect of this reboot is that should this be anyone’s first introduction to the VMs, and given the more considered approach appeal it could well be, just imagine what they have waiting around the corner. As a standalone, it’s quite some ride. Initially accessible, but revealing darker layers and depths. At times like this, Spinal Tap’s “hope you like our new direction?” always springs to mind – only this is not a drill. To label Beyond The House Of Fires as majestic would be a disservice.

Here’s White Knuckle Riding:

Virginmarys: Website

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