Macclesfield’s favourite alt-rock duo, The Virginmarys, have just dropped the video for their latest single, “White Knuckle Riding.” It’s a bit of a taster for their upcoming album, Beyond The House Of Fires, which is set to land on 22nd May.
If you’re expecting the usual wall of fuzz, this one might catch you off guard. The new record is a stripped-back, atmospheric reimagining of their 2024 album The House Beyond The Fires. They’ve binned the heavy distortion to let the songwriting breathe, putting piano and strings front and centre. It’s definitely a more vulnerable side to the band, but no less intense for it.
Frontman Ally Dickaty didn’t pull any punches when explaining the track’s inspiration, noting that it’s essentially a song about despair. He wrote it during a particularly rough patch with his mental health during the lockdown years, and that darkness is baked right into the lyrics. Musically, he reckons the piano was the perfect fit for the emotive, thoughtful vibe they were going for.
The video is a proper cinematic affair, too. Drummer Danny Dolan, who handles the band’s visuals, took inspiration from his love of film to create a “what if James Bond was a manic depressive?” scenario. It’s slick, moody, and has a fair few nods to their previous work for the eagle-eyed fans among you.
We’ve been following the guys for years – you can read our review of their 2016 album Divides here to see just how far they’ve come. This new direction feels like a natural evolution for a band that has never been afraid to wear its heart on its sleeve.
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They’re currently over in Europe but will be back for a string of UK dates in May and June. It’s not going to be a standard loud-as-hell gig, though; they’re aiming for a 90s MTV Unplugged vibe, with Ally on the piano and their mate Gareth Price joining them on guitar. Tickets are flying, with a few shows already sold out, so don’t hang about.
UK Tour Dates:
- 7th May – Southampton, Joiners
- 8th May – Doncaster, Ey Up Mi Duck Festival
- 9th May – Stalybridge, Stalyfest
- 16th May – Bury St Edmunds, Just Push Play Festival
- 24th May – Kings Norton, Breaking Bands Fest
- 28th May – Edinburgh, The Mash House
- 29th May – Northwich, Salty Dog (SOLD OUT)
- 30th May – Wolverhampton, The Giffard Arms (SOLD OUT)
- 31st May – Leeds, Hyde Park Book Club
- 1st June – Barnoldswick, Barnoldswick Arts Centre (SOLD OUT)
- 4th June – Tunbridge Wells, The Forum
- 5th June – Norwich, Waterfront Studio
- 6th June – London, The Grace
- 7th June – St Albans, The Horn
- 9th July – Cheltenham, 2000 Trees
- 18th July – Maidstone, Maid Of Stone
- 9th August – Stockport, Firevolt Festival
- 21st August – Chepstow, Chepstow Castle
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Header image by Sean Larkin
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