Virgins are one of the most exciting bands to emerge from Ireland in recent years. Hailing from Belfast, this shoegaze outfit has quickly made a name for themselves as a formidable live act and a rising force both locally and internationally—shipping records across the globe.

After a sold-out run of their debut EP Transmit a Little Heaven (limited to 200 copies), and following the release of singles s l o w l y, l o n g and s o f t e r, the band are gearing up to release their debut album Nothing Hurt and Everything Was Beautiful in April 2024 via Blowtorch Records, on a limited starburst vinyl pressing of 300.

With over 56K Spotify streams and a growing online following, Virgins have been steadily building momentum. Their profile within the shoegaze community continues to rise, matched by an ever-growing, passionate fanbase.

The single, s o f t e r, has quickly become a live favourite—an epic shoegaze anthem built around a hypnotic lead riff and the haunting vocals of Rebecca Dow. It's a swirl of dense reverbs and dreamy fuzz, transporting listeners to a haze of beauty and bliss. Guitarists Michael Smyth and David Sloan weave together shimmering textures, glide guitar rhythms, and lush, jet-plane phaser tones. Underneath, James Foy’s thunderous drums and Brendy McCann’s fuzz-soaked bass provide a powerful foundation. Rebecca’s vocals float above it all, guiding the listener through this rich sonic landscape.

The band has garnered strong media and radio support—championed by Dan Hegarty (RTÉ 2FM), BBC Across The Line, Nova Radio, and shoegaze hub DKFM. Their EP landed on several year-end lists including Chordblossom’s Top 25 Albums and Top 50 Songs, Shoegaze Blog’s Top 20 Releases of 2022, and Destroy//Exist’s Top 10 EPs. They’ve also been tipped as “Ones to Watch in 2024” by The Irish Times, and named one of Louder’s Top 10 Irish Acts to hear this year.

Live, Virgins have played relentlessly, including a six-date headline UK tour and a run of Irish shows. Highlights include performances at Dublin’s Button Factory (550 cap), the Set Theatre in Kilkenny (400 cap), and headlining GazeFest in both Dublin and Belfast. They’ve also supported the likes of Bleach Lab, Bdrmm, and Sign Crushes Motorist on their Irish dates.

Their debut album showcases the band’s evolving sound—from the glimmering gaze-pop of slowly, long and disappearer, to the dance-tinged softer, and the expansive, ethereal sweep of pale fire and tend. Rather than rehashing shoegaze clichés, Virgins bring a fresh, modern edge to the genre.

PRESS
“All-encompassing dream pop sound” – The Last Mixed Tape
“Virgins come correct with hooky gaze-pop” – Nialler 9
“Shimmers and glistens” – Hot Press
“Deafening dream pop” – Shoegaze Blog

FOR FANS OF:
Nothing, Slow Crush, My Bloody Valentine, Wolf Alice, Slowdive, Bdrmm, Deafheaven, Loathe, Holy Fawn

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