EP Review: VILLAIN

Despite hyperpop’s impressive rise in pop culture over the past few years, there’s a surprising lack of Kiwi artists in the genre. Boy Virgo is here to remedy that. His debut EP VILLAIN is a positively explosive collection of experimental maximalist pop, pulsing with destructive vocals, unstoppable beats and blurring sound effects. It’s an EP with an incredibly unique musical energy. On top of this, its bloody visuals and lyrical horror themes make it perfect for blasting at full volume when you’re looking to let out some rage. 

Opening with the stunning instrumental exploration villain, the EP quickly dissolves into a collaboration with baby brat titled xtc. It’s a track which captures the sassy spirit and bursting beats of Y2K pop, warped to hell and back in its shuddering chorus. Whilst the collection is best listened to in order, as it’s very purposefully constructed as a cohesive project, xtc is a fantastic overall representation of Boy Virgo’s distinctive sound if listeners want a first taste. 

Blood and Guts also stands out as one of the most palatable yet exciting songs, honing in on the collection’s evil identity and gory thematic content, with a chorus which absolutely soars in its screaming percussion and vocal distortion. Later entry timesplitter also stands out as a euphoric blend of artists like Sophie and 100 Gecs. It’s hard not to picture underground nightclubs absolutely pumping this song.

Hyperpop may not be a genre for everyone, but if you’re looking to expand your palate, Boy Virgo is an unbelievably strong introduction to the sound. For a genre currently suffering from mainstream homogenisation and mutation from its original concept, Boy Virgo is able to deliver a positively earthquaking collection with VILLAIN, that both pays attention to hyperpop’s predecessors, whilst hinting at the future sounds to come. Even better, it’s from a homegrown LGBT+ artist who not only lives up to, but perhaps even tops, the talents of his internationally recognised peers.