Album Review: Chvrches
In this day and age there’s no shortage of female-fronted electro pop acts. Numerous bands like Phantogram and Purity Ring (not to mention pop stars such as Lady Gaga) have garnered critical acclaim by exploiting the style. However, the trouble with many of these groups is inconsistency.
Most of these groups build a wave of hype on one or two catchy singles, but that’s pretty much the extent of the exciting tracks in their catalogue. Similar to the 80s new wave bands that inspired much of the current electro pop, many are, unfortunately, one-hit wonders.
With their debut album “The Bones Of What You Believe,” due out on Sept. 24, Glasgow trio Chvrches will challenge that trend. The 48-minute LP offers 12 impressive electro pop gems and showcases the talents of singer Lauren Mayberry, multi-instrumentalist Iain Cook (formerly of Aerogramme) and synth guru Martin Doherty.
Lead single “The Mother We Share,” which is currently in heavy rotation on satellite radio and holds a spot on iTunes Alternative Top 100 chart, is a good example of what “The Bones Of What You Believe” has in store. New wave-y synths swirl around shimmering guitars and punchy drum machine samples. All the while, Mayberry’s airy, child-like voice delivers hooky earworms, rich vocal harmonies, and one poignant line after another.
However “The Mother We Share” is but a taste of what “Bones” has to offer. “We Sink” is a stadium-ready anthem about a deteriorating relationship that’s reminiscent of The Naked and Famous’ more bombastic tracks. Then there’s slower, darker numbers like “Tether” and album closer “You Caught the Light,” which are welcome breaks from the other club-ready songs.
While their contemporaries seem to be content with albums half full of filler, Chvrches have produced a solid long player from beginning to end. “The Bones of What You Believe” more than lives up to its hype.