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The Virginmarys: Sitting Ducks EP

Alternative Melodic Rock

4.0/5.0

Website Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
Unsigned/Self-released
Review: Craig Hartranft
Added: 20.09.2017

Active since 2009, UK's The Virginmarys have seen significant acclaim from their native England, but also from Europe and America. Their debut album 2013's King Of Conflict received praise from diverse media points such as Classic Rock magazine, Rolling Stone, Alternative Press, and USA Today, while also pleasing a growing fan base. Not to be out done, the follow up 2016's Divides, got cheers from an eclectic mix of sources such as Consequence of Sound, Wall Street Journal (huh?), Clash Magazine, and Entertainment Weekly. Recognizing that their fans are their strongest supporters, The Virginmarys self-release their Sitting Ducks directly to them.

The Virginmarys

Sitting Ducks is a simple four song EP consisting of catchy rock songs which draw from classic, punk, and alternative rock. Needless to say, The Virginmarys have the ability to craft a song that is direct, accessible, and memorable. Sitting Ducks combines groove with brisk riffage to create a lively rocker. It was my favorite song. Sweet Loretta begins with melodic and light guitar line before building to and continuing with sharp riffage and a heavy groove, accented by some staccato drumming. Similar, Through The Sky moves quickly led by the drum line with an harmonious vocal arrangement above. This strong motif continues, and then brings in a sharp rising guitar line to finish. The EP ends with the quiet ballad, where the ebb and flow of the arrangement turns on voice over acoustic guitar, light drums, and a dash of tambourine. Suffice to say, Sitting Ducks is a nice gift to The Virginmarys' faithful fans, if only as interlude between full-length albums. But I suspect, upon listening to this EP, fans will be drooling for more. Recommended.

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Suffice to say, Sitting Ducks is a nice gift to The Virginmarys' faithful fans, if only as interlude between full-length albums. But I suspect, upon listening to this EP, fans will be drooling for more. Recommended.

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eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]