Moroni's Review of Chvrches' "The Bones of What You Believe"

Chvrches

Before Chvrches' debut album - "The Bones of What You Believe" came out, it seemed that this Scottish trio was ubiquitous on Sirius Radio.  I rarely imbibe in satellite radio, but it seemed that they were on every time I turned it on.  So I resolved to check them out as soon as their debut release came out.  Admittedly, it took me a long time to get into this album - a long time.  Although it is no fault of their own.

It seems like the musical landscape is filled with electronic music, and it seems that most of my downloads (and reviews) have comprised of '80s-flavored synthpop.  This band was no exception.  In a time when I am craving some old-time rock-n-roll, here was another synthesizer-heavy band, emulating Yaz or Erasure.  I had to put it aside for a couple of weeks.

When I came back to it, though, it spoke to me.  These are scintillating, opalescent little pop songs as fragile as bubbles ready to burst.  Lauren Mayberry's voice is sweet and flits like a stream of butterflies to the bouncy rhythms.  Her voice reminds me of Harriet Wheeler from The Sundays, or Caroline Crawley from Shelleyan Orphan.

The main singles - "The Mother We Share", "Gun", and "Lies" are perfect example of this bands' well-honed attempts at pop music.  But you have to delve deeper to get at the heart of what this group is about.  There is the Depeche Mode-ish pulse of songs like "We Sink" and "Night Sky".  My favorites are the wistful "Recover" and the frantic "Science/ Visions".  My absolute favorite song is the final track - "You Caught the Light" - with it's languid shoegaze pace with Martin Doherty doing his best Ian Curtis.  What a great way to end an album.

This album is a jewel.  It may have taken a long time for me to "get" it, and I am looking forward to what these guys do next.  Please check it out!