The Virgins- The Virgins

The Virgins self-titled LP, The Virgins, released on June 3, is a semi-reproduction of their original 2007 five song LP with an addition of five new songs. While some claim that the original album was recorded better than the ten song LP, the alteration of the original five songs was somewhat negative because the music was less raw and more fashioned. Still, this styling quartet, famous for their trademark rolled up skinny jeans, generated a fantastic group of songs worth listening too. The final cut of the album which some have called too short is composed of 10 very well crafted songs which fit snuggly together.

The Virgins is an easy listen to from start to finish. Often compared to The Strokes, Franz Ferdinand, and We are Scientists, the four man band is powered by four talented musicians: Donald Cummings, Wade Oates, Eric Ratensperger, and Nick Akerman. Singer Donald Cummings is reminiscent of Elvis Costello and his captivating voice really is the basis for the success of these songs. The Virgins’ sound can be described as Indie-infused 80’s disco music with a catchy yet dirty pop sound. The funky beats, upbeat bass lines, and overall fast tempos will move your body and get you to dance. The hipster New Yorkers pass on many elaborate stories through their somewhat poppy songs ranging from their experiences in New York including those about rich girls, crazy parties, and sex affairs. The genuine lyrics come directly from frontman Cummings’ tough life, who spent time homeless on the streets of New York. To some, the lyrics may seem over-explicit or ridiculous but fellow New Yorkers can relate to topics ranging from growing up in the big city, nights in the park, getting high, and casual sex. Cumming’s voice is able to move from tender to strong intonation, the whole time maintaining a sexy New York sound. All of the songs on the album manage to have grand choruses’ which beg you to sing along.

Rich Girls clearly is the hit of the album because of its playful sound, which was able to switch from funk to pop to rock with lyrics like “Hey, rich girl! / Well, can you tell me why/ You're so stuck up?” Love is Colder Than Death has a poppy-funk sound and is really held down by the great bassline and the distorted guitar hits. One Week of Danger comes off with an old-sound kind of vibe and resembles a rocker version of the song I Like The Way You Move by Bodyrockers. The Virgins slow down a bit in Fernando Pando their ballad about one high lover searching for another. And Hey Hey Girl which is composed of a simple progression and basic chord changes, has a cleaner California type sound and a really catchy chorus describing a wild teen girl living an intense life of partying in the city. I only give the Virgins 4 ½ stars because their sound was somewhat altered when redone, but the album was a treat to listen to. If the Virgins keep making records like this one they will become stars. Along with MGMT's debut Oracular Spectacular, The Virgins is definitely one of my favorite albums of the year, and I strongly recommend purchasing it.