Where – MacArts, Galashiels
When – Friday 6th June 2025
Support – The Virginmarys
Review and Photographs by Linda McDermott
There’s something special about walking into a venue that already carries a bit of soul. Tonight’s gig takes place in a converted church, now christened MacArts, in Galashiels, a venue that fully embraces the arts. With its stained-glass windows and high arched ceilings, it’s a place that still has its essence, only now, sermons come with a heavy dose of guitars, and the occasional beer in hand. Tonight, two bands graced the altar with very different offerings. They are both loud, both brilliant, but each coming from different corners of the rock world.
With the place filled up nice and early, which is always great to see, The Virginmarys took to the stage, and I couldn’t wait for them to hit that first note. The two-piece punk/grunge band consisting of Ally Dickaty guitar and vocals and Danny Dolan on drums tore through their set like a tornado, engaging the crowd with ease. I still don’t know how two people can make such a raw intense sound, but I love it. They didn’t disappoint one little bit as they ripped into tracks from their latest album, ‘The House Beyond the Fires.’ Songs such as ‘When the Lights Go Down,’ ‘Where Are You Now,’ and their latest release, ‘My Nettle,’ they had the audience in the palm of their hands.
Ally’s vocals were intense and emotive as he sang, while Danny looked like he was in a one-man battle with his kit as he thumped the living daylights out of it with the crowd following every beat. Heads were nodding, hands were in the air and even those who came for the headline band couldn’t deny they were witnessing something special.
I’m sure this has gained them some new fans, especially if the merch table was anything to go by.
Follow Ally and Danny on their socials to find out where you can see them next.
Video
My Nettle
https://www.facebook.com/TheVirginmarys
https://www.instagram.com/thevirginmarys
But where The Virginmarys were all true grit, punk and grunge, These Wicked Rivers brought the cool breeze of bluesy rock. This was the first date of their unique “Churches Tour,” and from the moment they stepped on stage, it felt like we were being welcomed into their home.
Picture the scene, you’ve just walked into someone’s living room and you look around to see rugs, vintage lamps softly glowing, a clock and radio, even a world globe drink trolley and a hat stand in the corner, making it feel that this was a family gathering.
These Wicked Rivers have this brilliant bluesy rock sound, laced with a southern edge. The acoustics in MacArts really helped it land with every note ringing out clear, warm, and rich. Being in a converted church, the sound seemed to hang in the air that little bit longer, bouncing gently off the walls and giving the amazing guitar solos a whole new depth. You could almost close your eyes and be somewhere else entirely, somewhere hot, and dusty, where the whisky’s poured generously and the band playing in the corner.
Set
Shine On
Black Gold
Evergreen
Old Willow Tree
Riverboat Man
Ain’t No Smoke
Lonely Road
This Train
Just To Be. Man
Force of Nature
The Family
Testify
Horses to Water
What stood out most was how connected the band were to their music and to the crowd. There was a real intimacy to the performance, a feeling that, even with a full room, every song was being sung directly to each and every person. And the crowd were right there with them, hanging on every note, swaying along to the beat, and cheering with every familiar intro.
Old favourites from their first album Eden like ‘Shine On,’ ‘Evergreen’ and ‘This Train’ blended seamlessly with tracks from their latest release Force of Nature, keeping the mood flowing with the likes of ‘Black Gold,’ ‘The Riverboat Man,’ and my personal favourite, ‘Testify.’ The energy never dropped.
Halfway through the set, John sang Lonely Road. The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the stage. With the music stripped right back, his voice took control, it was raw, emotional, and completely captivating. It was one of those mesmerising moments, and when it ended, the roar of applause said it all.
It was the perfect end to a perfect night that celebrated the power of live rock music in one of the most atmospheric settings in the Scottish Borders.
With more dates lined up on their churches tour, I would wholeheartedly recommend grabbing a ticket. Go and sit in the pews, let the amps do the preaching, and prepare to hear the best sermon you’ll get this year. Amen.
Video
Force of Nature
Socials
https://www.facebook.com/TheseWickedRivers
https://www.instagram.com/thesewickedrivers
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