Atlantic Records artists The Virgins have a new full-length--but their EP is better.

The Virgins are a pleasant mix of a band, and it shows on their debut full-length

Date published: 9/4/2008

BY COLBY CRITZER

Pour a half-cup of New York Dolls, two cups of The Teenagers and one tablespoon of Ima Robot into a blender, and you've got yourself the freshly uncovered Virgins.

Celebrating their self-titled debut full-length, released June 3, the Virgins had a chain of performances on the first ever Nylon Tour, and will shortly be hopping onto another bandwagon, traveling across the country with Black Kids (hitting D.C.'s Black Cat Sept. 26).

Their album's opening track, titled "She's Expensive," gives you a good idea of how the rest of the album will sound. You're most likely to catch your foot tapping at the album's more upbeat tracks, including "Love Is Colder Than Death," "One Week of Danger" or "Radio Christiane."

Other tracks, such as "Rich Girls" and "Fernando Pando," lack the more exciting instrumental lines. They're the sort of songs you adore, but can't listen to continuously unless you want to be singing the chorus in the shower.

Although the majority of this album's tracks start off sluggishly, they gain power through their choruses, good tunes and quick, memorable bridge lines throughout.

"Private Affair" is my most-listened-to track from this album--and, with that, The Virgins made it to the middle of my favorites list. But I have to admit that the band's EP (including five original versions of songs from this full-length) has more reasons for you to get excited. "Fernando Pando" has much more of an acoustic feel and less of an offbeat background.

It takes a certain person to enjoy the buoyant Hollywood beats and energetic vocals The Virgins take on. But this album's singalong lyrics make it worth the time it takes.

Colby Critzer is a rising sophomore at Riverbend High School.

Date published: 9/4/2008