Virens - “from the fire”
Photo by Fionn HH
London-based Virens are back on the airwaves with a brand new offering to the gods and goddesses of indie pop: “from the fire.”
The duo’s 2023 EP, couples therapy, is still one of our favorites to spin, but they seem to have left behind its more raw and folksy vibes for a sound that is distinctly pop-based. And we are in no way complaining– we are simply allowing you the opportunity to brace yourselves for a more fleshed-out production.
Of course, this is not immediately apparent as the sound of wide and reverberating guitar opens up “from the fire,” saturating the walls of your headphones like a dream. Louisa’s vocal is the first to arrive, just as vibrant and emotive as we recall it to be, softly revealing emotive lines before the moderate rhythm elevates the arrangement.
While the track’s tempo is rather upbeat, it is not at all overbearing and leaves the heartfelt nature of the song wonderfully intact. But as James arrives with a harmony on the hook, the production thickens to divulge a more commercially-polished pop performance that will likely result in your immediate urge for a spontaneous dance party.
James takes the vocal helm on the second verse, lending a wonderful juxtaposition to Louisa’s delivery. “from the fire” follows one of our favorite formulas: a male and female duet that trades verses and ultimately comes together to harmonize on the refrain. And if you know anything about Virens, you’ll know that they rarely leave you hanging when it comes to dynamic variation, provided here in the form of a triumphant tag: “I’m still hurting.”
We are absolutely thrilled to see Virens back with new music and we truly hope that “from the fire” is indicative that more tunes are forthcoming; however, until then, you should enjoy the ever-loving-hell out of this one.
-HD