Review: The Virgins - 'Strike Gently'

As The Strokes gear to release their recently streamable fifth studio album "Comedown Machine" this coming monday (expect a review SOON), there's a lesser known group of snotty New York rich kids aching for your attention. The Virgins' self-titled debut, released in 2008, sprouted four sexily stomping singles including the band's 'hit' "Rich Girls", featured in Zac Efron's only good film "17 Again" (oh come on, its good! Shut up!), and my personal favourite, the funk fuckery of UK only release "One Week Of Danger". Despite these exemplary examples of disco garage/dance punk, the album fell a little short as a whole and the band received some unfair criticism relating to their privileged upbringing which in this writer's opinion should never get in the way of good music.

5 years on from "The Virgins" and the band have finally broken their silence. A departure from their major label Atlantic Records sees them signing to, the king of New York cool himself, Julian Casablancas' indie label Cult Records and the release of their long awaited second outing, "Strike Gently". A change in production is probably the immediately noticeable aspect of the record as the spick n span sound is replaced by an obvious lower fidelity recording. This however turns out to be a charm as the crackle and fizz works incredibly well to the band's favour. "Strike Gently" sounds like a dusty old LP from the record chest of your Dire Straits loving Dad. First track "Prima Materia" opens the door to a sound of yesteryear with delicate scuzzy guitar complementing wonderfully with singer Donald Cumming's (Yes, him with the antlers from that Fall Out Boy video) throatily delivered melodies. "Oh don't touch the radio, don't touch the radio, not while they're playing it" he howls within the reminiscing story of deep emotional attachment to an unnamed song. 

Cummings' seems to have matured both lyrically and musically on this record teaming some romantically poetic imagery to the versatile array of musicianship. Single "Flashbacks, Memories & Dreams" is a frenzy of funk rhythms whilst next track "Figure On The Ice" drifts softly along as sweetly as it's nostalgia ridden lyrics. Derision is perhaps slightly apparent on the record, as to be expected with a band with such deliberate aims to sound like they could have supported the likes of The Cars or Television. "Travel Express (From Me)", as well as following tracks "The Begger" and post punk ballad "Amelia", all have a bit of a Tom Petty vibe about them from groovy rock 'n' roll rhythms to the wondering guitar solos. Even Cumming's voice almost takes a sudden Southern tint. As well as this, the chorus of "Figure On The Ice" ends eerily similarly to that of Petty's wonder hit "American Girl", though they're not the first New York band to take influence from that song *cough* "Last Nite" *cough cough*.

Comparisons aside, "Strike Gently" hits the spot for those looking for a modern record that simultaneously feels like a blast from the past. Its familiarity is intentional and part of its charm. Had it been released within the time frame it replicates so accurately, theres nothing to say it couldn't have been a classic record of the post punk era. Fans of the band's first LP and its incredibly inviting disco punk may confuse the songwriting on this album for a more lackluster approach but don't be fooled. Once you look past the lower production and stop looking for pop hooks, the songs on here are just as vital and if anything, twice as inspired. If not, just give it to your folks. They'll really dig it.

"Strike Gently" is out NOW on Cult Records. Alternatively, you can listen to it here as it streams on soundcloud.

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