Virgins (shoegaze from N Ireland) Release New Single “Signalling” – Tour Dates and Vinyl Release of Debut EP

Belfast-based shoegaze band Virgins. The new single ‘Signalling’ is due out September 2nd, it’s the first single taken from the debut EP ‘Transmit A Little Heaven’ out on pink vinyl on Oct 14th via Blowtorch Records. The track is a mix of long ambient reverbs alongside fuzzed-out riffs that wouldn’t be out of place on any 90’s Sub Pop record and a haunting ethereal vocal that cries of an unsatiated wanton desire. The band are also releasing a video for the track, a gazey live video which goes a long way to capturing the band’s live performances. Along with the single Virgins are also announcing the EP as well as pre-orders for the vinyl of the EP, pre-orders go live on September 2nd on the band’s Bandcamp page. The band very recently announced a UK tour in support of the EP

FFO: Nothing, Slow Crush, My Bloody Valentine, Narrow Head, Blushing, Gleemer

Opening with swathes of choral shimmering reverb and an ethereal haunting vocal ‘Signalling’ marks the first single taken from Virgins upcoming debut EP ‘Transmit A Little Heaven’. This initial dreamy intro gives way to a grungier riff that wouldn’t be out of place on any 90’s Sub Pop record. Virgins alchemy comes in marrying these juxtaposing elements together to create a sound that in equal parts wraps you in clouds of ambient washed out reverbs while simultaneously keeping your head nodding along with fuzzed out guitars and hammering drums. Lyrically ‘Signalling’ is a wanton cry for more, of trying to fill an unending void and the frustrations found within that insatiable desire. Coupled with the impending inevitability that there is a permanent and definitive end for everything and the knowledge that this will come unsatiated. This against a layered back drop of dense and beautiful guitars that are drenched in fuzz and reverbs, dovetailing between creating a dense melting wall of sound to beautiful shimmering passages. The vocals are a whisper in your ear from a long forgotten ghost laden with regret, melancholia and a desire to return to a more innocent time.

“Deafening dream pop.”

Shoegazeblog.com

Virgins are a Belfast based shoegaze band with Michael Smyth at the hazy centre and joined by vocalist Rebecca Dow on the recordings. Born out of a serendipitous encounter with Slow Crushes ‘Aurora’ record this acted as the catalyst for Michael’s foray into the fuzz and reverb soaked world of shoegaze.

“Bliss kissed ‘Vows’ propels you to a rapture of ecstatic emotion”

Whitelight-whiteheat.com

Having written and demoed 5 songs in early 2021 Michael took the approach that he would be responsible for all the instrumentation when it came to record and would seek out a vocalist to bring his lyrics and melodies to life. With the bulk of recording taking place in early 2022 Michael again worked with Jonny Woods (Wynona Bleach/Fierce Panda) to engineer and produce the EP. Jonny recorded debut single ‘Vows’ and has been instrumental in Virgins sound since these initial sessions. Going as far to play bass on a number of the tracks on the EP. Following these sessions Michael sought out a vocalist that could transport listeners to the nebulous dream state he was aiming for. On Valentine’s Day Rebecca reached out and quickly following this in April entered the studio to lay down vocals for the EP ‘Transmit A Little Heaven’. Virgins signed to Galway based label Blowtorch Records in July of 2022.

“Cocteau Twins with extra guitar and drums, exquisite.”

Playitloud.com

Debut single ‘Vows’ was released August 2021 to accolades from press and radio alike, the track premiered on white light-whiteheat.com, The Verge Music News drew comparisons to Smashing Pumpkins Siamese Dream. The track was picked up by Golden Plec, Chordblossom, Grace Note and played on BBC Across the Line as a World Exclusive and Q Radio. Shoegaze Blog broke their rule of not covering singles for Vows deeming it “deafening dream pop.”

Initially the band was conceived as one with a revolving door policy, with an initial line up forming and disbanding in 2021. Michael quickly moved past this idea once the current line-up of the band was formed, completed by David Sloan on guitar, James Foy on drums and Brendy McCann of Hand Models on bass. Virgins is now a fully fleshed band with each member an integral part of the sound.

Virgins have spent 2022 gigging relentlessly all over NI/Ireland including playing Ten Music Festival in Derry, supporting Chastity (Canada/Death Wish Inc.), Wynona Bleach (Fierce Panda) and Burial At Sea (Can/UK).

‘Transmit A Little Heaven’ will be released by Blowtorch Records on October 14th on a limited pressing of 200 pink vinyl with pre-orders beginning September 2nd through Blowtorch Records and Virgins Bandcamp page. The band will embark on a 6 date UK tour in November in support of the release and will be joined by Wynona Bleach for these dates.

‘Signalling’ is released on September 2nd