Only the 2nd single from upcoming debut EP "Couples Therapy," UK-based songwriting duo Virens brings us "Stitch Me Back Up"—a powerful track that explores pain, dependency and remorse within a relationship. With haunting duet vocals, a shimmering beat, and a touching sense of vulnerability, this exciting new collaboration between James New & Louisa Connolly-Burnham is sure to become a favorite among roots pop and indie rock lovers everywhere.

After meeting on Tinder during the height of the 2020 pandemic lockdown, it was in the midst of one of those long, isolated evenings that Louisa began singing to herself—prompting James to utter the 'magic' words: Wait…can you sing?

Louisa had studied musical theatre at school, but quickly found that her voice was always too low and gravely for any of the big show tunes. In time she lost her confidence and eventually stopped singing all together. But now, it was that husky and imperfect tone that James heard and connected with. What Louisa had once perceived as a weakness was to become a hallmark of their sound—a mixture of tormented externalization and emotional honesty with enticing hints of electro-pop flourish.

Show me your scars
I'll show you mine too

Soon—with the help of good wine, food, and company—they found themselves writing a song together, the first of what was to become many. With influences that vary from the gritty country-folk of Karen Dalton, to the raw, post-punk grooves of Echo and the Bunnymen, and the sly, acoustic visitations of Sufjan Stevens, Virens demonstrates a quality of both writing and presentation that bodes well for such a young project: the chemistry between James and Louisa is unforced and effective, layering two distinct melodic styles between them in the loose commitment to 'always sing songs about 14 octaves lower than normal people.' Excepting, perhaps, the moments when James New is exploring his falsetto range.

What emerges from this first glimpse at the music of Virens is a signature that is both eclectic and slightly mysterious, marrying subtle shifts in timing and inflection with a laid-back groove and the simple conviction that love can heal anything.

Visit Virens on Instagram.