Calling the NYC-based rockers The Virgins original would be a bit of a stretch, but it would be unfair to hold their brand of youthful, exuberant rock against them. Yeah, they sound strikingly similar to fellow Big Apple rockers The Strokes, and yeah there isn’t much complexity to the instrumentation, but goshdarnit (I’ve been spending too much time with my Southern friend Katie, sorry) if it isn’t unbearably catchy music.
The painfully hip quartet released The Virgins ‘07 EP in….2007….Then dropped their self-titled debut last summer, to substantial fanfare. While songs like “Rich Girls” and “Private Affair” commanded the attention of the blogosphere (and deservedly so), songs like the beautifully ironic “Don’t Let Your Love Be Colder than Death” and Strokes-clone “Radio Christine” unfortunately slipped through the cracks. Those smart enough to take a deeper listen might’ve noticed that there’s more to the band than meets the eye. Creative loops, danceable rhythms, and catchy-as-hell lyrics permeate throughout the debut, allowing The Virgins to be more than just another Strokes wannabe.
Up next for the band is the debut of their newest single “One Week of Danger”. The video sees the band gallivanting around New York, merrymaking and being too cool for words. While I find “One Week of Danger” one of the band’s weaker tracks, I can’t help but crack a smile when I hear the falsetto “We’re best friends” that lead us into first verse. With “One Week of Danger”, The Virgins are pushing their way through the crowded NYC music scene and onto the pedestal The Strokes have seemingly vacated with no album in sight. Yeah, The Virgins sound quite similar to The Strokes, but look me in the eyes and tell me you wouldn’t want to hear a band that sounds like The Strokes. Or leave a comment, that works too.
