It’s the start of a scorching weekend, deep amid Frome in Somerset, and what better way to spend the evening than at an intimate gig at the Treehouse, the infamous Cheese & Grain’s ‘sister’ venue on this glorious Saturday evening.
The Treehouse has only been open for a couple of years and is not the largest, but it’s seen some big names play on its stage over that time. From local bands to legends such as Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols and Tony Wright from Terrorvision, it’s becoming a popular music venue for the town.
Now tonight’s gig was a bit of a surprise. Not only was it a good surprise, but one that made you wonder if the venue would be capable of hosting. These guys have taken over the airwaves of Planet Rock with their latest tunes and are about to give Frome a prodigious night to remember. Were they ready for it?
Despite being on the music scene since they formed in 2006 as a trio, the Virginmarys are back on the circuit as a duo to embark on their latest ‘House Beyond the Fires’ Tour. This is their fourth night so far after hitting Northern Ireland, Liverpool and Swansea, and they’re about to make their mark in this small local pub, which is also hosting the usual karaoke night downstairs in the bar. But don’t let the word ‘duo’ fool you. This formidable rock band from Macclesfield are known for raising the roof. Let that be a warning to you.
The time was approaching 7.30 pm and the support tonight was from Manchester trio The Empty Page, who were joining the Virginmarys for the first half of their tour before Kit Trigg takes over early May. Long-time members Kel and Giz have also been on the scene since 2016 and have recently seen the departure of their drummer since releasing their last album in May 2024, and Stephen Kent has stepped into his shoes.
From the onset, it was clear that this gig was going to be deathly in terms of the decibels hurled out to the crowd. A bit of a shock for those who’ve not witnessed them performing live. #earplugsattheready.
A few words from Kel on vocals and bass during the first few tracks; “anyone pissed off tonight? If you’ve not heard of us before, that’s what a lot of our music is about”. Not that it phased anyone listening. This alt-punk trio ploughed through their set and laid down the foundations of what was to come. Stephen Kent sat neatly in the centre of the stage whilst Kel and Giz took the wings and at times met for a bit of a mash-up.
The Treehouse was warming up quickly as time flew past, whilst more and more punters got a beer and moved towards the stage to soak up the atmosphere. “You’re in for a real treat tonight with the Virginmarys. We heard them during their sound check”, Kel said.
A short but sweet set from The Empty Page, but the trio most definitely packed a punch with their melancholy hooks and deep-rooted lyrics; in fact, not too dissimilar to early tracks by The Cure.
Review + Photography: Emma Painter
The night was in full swing now and at max capacity for this sell-out evening. Both Ally Dickaty and Danny Dolan from the Virginmarys jumped onto the stage with their Tech for a quick changeover, and all faces in the crowd turned in anticipation, as some catchy tunes were played over the PA. They moved even closer to the stage, grasping their pints and checking their phones one last time before the set started at 9 pm, some not even getting a drink so they don’t lose their spot by the stage.
It was quite obvious that there were some dedicated Virginmarys fans dotted around the venue, sporting their latest t-shirt or hoody, and some having travelled from the north of the U.K. to come and see the band. How cool is that?
The Treehouse was busting at the seams as 9 pm approached, and after having a quick breather before their set, it wasn’t long before Ally and Danny reappeared and were ready to rumble. The air-conditioning was on full blast, it was 9:02 pm, and it was all systems go.
The Virginmarys didn’t need any introduction, even if there were any ‘virgins’ catching them for the first time live. After the first few strikes of Danny’s drum kit paired with Ally’s frenzied riffs as they launched into ‘Just a Ride’ taken from their debut album, the night was sure to be memorable. After a bit of banter from the crowd about the lack of things to do in Frome for the night once he’d thanked everyone for coming, the band pummelled on with a monstrous set to get through.
So, The Empty Page were loud; the Virginmarys are on a whole different level; rambunctious springs to mind. It was quite eye-opening to see so many people in the crowd not wearing any ear protection. The sound was hair-splitting! But it’s the only way to hear them. In yer face. Face-melting. Pure adrenaline.
Take Danny on drums. He sits a little higher than most on his kit, but that’s only to give him more room to beat them within an inch of their life. And the sound you hear isn’t just the loudest; it’s the tightest you’ll ever hear, too. With Ally’s gritty vocals and burly guitar, this duo are capable of stripping the paint off the walls through the sheer power of their sound. It’s pretty god damn mind blowing.
It was time for Ally to hold the fort now as he played ‘Moths to a Flame’ from their ‘Divides’ album; a total contrast from the rest of the band’s set, and giving Danny a much-needed rest from his kit as he sat and watched on. You’d think it would be a tad quieter without any drum kit, but you thought wrong. Ally sang his heart out as the crowd stood still in awe. A darker track but powerful nonetheless.
It’s 9:45 pm, they’re halfway through their almighty set, and there’s no sign of wavering from Danny. The beads of sweat drip down his face as he continues to strive, giving every beat his undivided attention. And although Ally has been suffering with a cold of late, it still doesn’t stop him delivering those splintering vocals, and he still takes the time between tracks to give his heartfelt thanks to everyone coming to see them on this tour.
Not only were the crowd graced with the presence of the Virgin Mary tonight, but it also transpired that local rock outfit Tax the Heat were ‘in the house’, as Ally also thanked them for popping by to support them.
Continuing with some storming tracks such as ‘There Ain’t No Future’ and ‘When The Lights Go Down’ from their latest album ‘House Beyond The Fires’, they played their rendition of ‘Crazy’ by Gnarls Barkley before it was time to start winding down. Liverpool liked it, and so did Swansea. So, did Frome like it? Not arf!
Wrapping up with one of their first released tracks, ‘Bang Bang Bang’, the Virginmarys haven’t just created music that makes a sonic boom sound like a whisper, they’ve flown through an incredible 20 tracks spanning their discography from the last 19 years in record time. Mission complete.
As a duo that many compare to the likes of Royal Blood, the Virginmarys are in a league of their own. Their stamina is astonishing, and their presence is simply breathtaking. Get that ticket; you will not be disappointed. These guys know how to party.
Keep hitting ’em hard, Danny! Liam was right.
Review + Photography: Emma Painter
https://www.thevirginmarys.com
