Strike Gently is the first official release out on Cult records. This sophomore release dropped 5 years after The Virgins hit the music scene in 2008. After reading many articles it only made me more curious as to what the album will reveal about the time it took to create this ten-song compilation.

Reviewing the album in the back yard of my dad’s house in Las Vegas, in sun kissed weather; this album is the perfect start to spring break. Kicking back and listening to Strike Gently feels like a forgotten record that is what I needed to hear. Strike Gently release in perfect timing to get stoked for summer and all the jamz that we are getting ready to enjoy. Although Strike Gently may be much different from the indie-disco aura of their self-titled release in 2008, The Virgins came back swinging. This Brooklyn based quartet takes us back to the classic rock sounds of the 70’s and 80’s. Strike Gently’s flow is surprisingly dynamic. The jams range from romantic rock with Blue Rose Tattoo to the skuzzy sexy hit Flashback, Memories, and Dreams. It seems the five-year break was worth the wait. Donald Cumming, the lead singer holds down that Lou Reed esque voice and the hopeful guitar riffs and melodies that are iconic to The Virgins, but for any Julian Casablancas or Strokes fans there is a definite trace of some thing else. Julian Casablancas is the owner of Cult Records and it seems after listening to Strike Gently that Donald and the boys have picked up a little bit of that Strokes energy. The Virgins are defiantly playing on that post-punk New York aesthetic and are doing a smashing job. And not surprisingly however, considering they are Brooklyn natives.

This reinvention of the Virgins is a great listen and if you are looking for a nostalgic classic rock wormhole I’d say this album is for you. Some of my favorite picks were Impressions of You and Travel Express (from me). The Cult Tour is on the loose!