‘Virgins’’ Debut Album ‘nothing hurt and everything was beautiful’ Is A Genre Bending Masterpiece. 

Words: Ruby Corrigan

For fans of ‘The Cranberries’, ‘Wolf Alice’ and ‘My Bloody Valentine’, this band is for you!

I always like to be completely open and honest in my reviews, so I will say that I usually tend to avoid shoegaze music, purely because, from what I had already listened to in this genre, it just wasn’t ever a bit of me. However, after listening to Belfast band ‘Virgins’ and their debut album ‘nothing hurt and everything was beautiful’ I can confidently say that I have been converted. 

Labelled as one of ‘the most exciting bands to come out of Ireland in recent times’ Virgins have already built an impressive portfolio, including a critically acclaimed EP that was released in 2022, yet it is unarguable that their debut album released today is the band’s magnum opus. 

‘nothing hurt and everything was beautiful’ is a genre bending masterpiece that completely redefines what I thought of the shoegaze genre as the band explores a wider sonic palette. Virgins do not just rely on the classic shoegaze tropes that have garnered them so much success in the past, but they instead experiment with their music, exploring sounds that can be seen as influenced by the dance music scene, as well as utilising heavier, expansive distortion that feels somehow punkish and psychedelic. All of this accompanied with Rebecca Dow’s intensely hypnotic, ethereal vocals makes the record an extremely unique and engaging listen. 

A real stand out track for me has to be ‘a d o r e’ which is a highly sensual and dynamic track that feels like that one peaceful moment right before a storm hits. ‘a d o r e’ opens softly, with the first few chords being permeated by a slow rumbling bassline that adds an air of tranquillity. Yet, rather than simply letting the track continue in this liminal half dream like state, the chorus crashes into listeners like a tidal wave, waking us up with a frantic flurry of notes and powerful vocals. If I were to try and sum up this song into a few words, I would say it really explores the rollercoaster of love and romanticism, lulling us into a false sense of blissful security before completely flipping the switch, making this tune a really powerful one. 

To sum up, if you don’t think you like shoegaze music, please listen to ‘nothing hurt and everything was beautiful’ by ‘Virgins’ because I am certain that after listening to it, your mind will be completely changed!

Stream the album below!

photo credit: ebony_alexander_media