Virgins – b l o o m s (2025)
Described as one of Ireland’s most promising acts, flying the flag for Irish shoegaze, Virgins blaze from Belfast with their new single ‘b l o o m s’. While this is our introduction to the quintet, Virgins have shared their music with the masses far beyond any Irish border – so, in other words, we’re a little late to the shindig. Featuring on notable publications and radio stations and performing sold-out shows at festivals like GazeFest and Wales’ Other Voices, Virgins makes their mark with each melody.
Following the well-received single, ‘g l i s s’, Virgins join forces with acclaimed producer Simon Francis with mastering by Slowdive’s Simon Scott on ‘b l o o m s’. Not necessarily relying on genres to define their music, Virgins float between elements of dream-pop, shoegaze, new wave, and dark-pop in ‘b l o o m s’. Upon first listen, you might assume this single follows the same tread as previous work; however, there is a heavier rock-inspired sound that not only slices through the melody but also peeps in the background during ‘b l o o m s’ more ethereal moments.
Brimming with duality, Virgins showcase their innovation and originality with ‘b l o o m s’. Despite being an airy, soft, gentle rush of cinematic synths – like floating on a dream-pop sonic cloud – the track is also brash, abrupt, and gut-wrenchingly indie-rock. Deafening and all-consuming while still presenting languid tranquility, Virgins find the line between uncertainty and confidence… then, they blur it.
Melodically, ‘b l o o m s’ takes Virgins’ sound in a new direction – a pivot to something experimental, evolutionary, and eclectic. For me, however, it is not merely the swoosh of synths, guitars and drums that makes things intriguing, but the haunting vocals. Oscillating between tragic dark and hopeful light, Rebecca Dows eagerly holds your hand as you become lost in the musical fuzz, acting as an anchor, friend, and confidante.
As I mentioned, this is my introduction to Virgins and, I’ll admit, I was left gobsmacked after hearing ‘b l o o m s’. Not for the faint-hearted, but still a song to soothe the vulnerable, ‘b l o o m s’ is one of the more intriguing tunes to reach me this month (at least). I cannot wait for more from the Irish group.
Find out more about Virgins on their Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
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