Virginmarys

Northern Sun Sessions maso Chismo (Self-released) Politically charged, paradoxically titled third album from Macclesfield rockers.

Three albums in, Virginmarys frontman Ally Dickaty and drummer

Danny Dolan withdrew from the world of major labels and A-list hype in favour of a DIY approach and a ton of socio-political fire. Happily it’s paid off.

This freedom is channelled with infectious zeal here on tracks such as Eye For An Eye, a throat-grabbing example of the hooky darkness they do so well. The thematic emotion at work is great, but they know the power of a good beat too – as heard on the rousing crescendo of Blind Lead The Blind. Solos in Wanna Be Free and others are a reminder of what a quality guitarist Dickaty is (alongside the lyrical emphasis), while Get Me Back Home skids in amid stomps and shrieks of early blues slide mixed with their trademark melodic ferocity.

For pure ‘tune’ factor, debut King Of Conflict is still their piece de resistance, but Northern Sun Sessions is a topical, stirring blend of pain and power.