Russell HughesThe Virginmarys – Divide (Spinefarm Records)
Genre: Rock
After being crowned best breakthrough act by Classic Rock magazine, the pressure was on The Virginmarys to produce a follow up every bit as good as their debut Kings of Conflict.
Some bands might have wilted under that pressure, but the three piece from Macclesfield have survived and thrived.
The band are a pure breed rock ‘n roll band in every sense of the word, and love to produce the type of tune that’ll have grizzled veterans from the 80s and nouveaux scene kids in their Doc Martins and ripped genes coming together in the same room for the same reason.
Although there is a more subtle element in Divide, Ally Dickaty and his band have kept the same raw, powerful feel on much of the album. Halo In Her Silhouette and Falling Down are the most obvious, striking and catching tunes full of vim, vigour and the simmering anger that underpins every gritty rock band.
On the other edge of the scale, tunes like Motherless Land and Walk In My Shoes indicate a group that are becoming more comfortable in their own skins and who can communicate that with the world outside.
The second album is meant to be the most difficult one, but nobody told these boys. Divide may well be even better than their debut, and if this trend continues, the third one is going to be an instant hall of famer.
RUSHONROCK RATED: 10/10 Divide And Conquer