Small Band Makes Big Noise: My Review of Chvrche's Second Record

Chvrches

It's been a couple of years since I reviewed Chvrche's debut album, "The Bones of What You Believe".  Initially, I had given these darlings of Sirius Radio a good review.  But it was so sickeningly sweet that it eventually went saccharine.  Truthfully, I wasn't that excited to check out the sophomore release, "Every Open Eye".  But my own personal music guru, Nikki, said that it was really good.  So I decided to check it out.  And I am glad that I did, as this has become one of my favorite albums this year.  In fact, my kids have complained that I keep playing it in the car.

Not much has changed.  This music is straight up synthpop, taking a page from Vince Clark, from the early Depeche Mode days, but more from Yaz or Erasure, but without the throaty vocals of Alison Moyet or Andy Bell.  Instead, Lauren Mayberry's voice is still angelic and waifish, reminding me a lot of Harriet Wheeler from The Sundays.

Except that this time, it works for me.  This upbeat and crystal clear pop music transports me back to prom on a warm spring night in some John Hughes movie.

The album has spawned three riveting singles, the opener "Never Ending Circles", sounding like an anthem to teen angst, as well as "Leave A Trace", showing the band's strength is relying more on the surprising power of Mayberry's vocals and placing the synths in the background.  The third single, "Clearest Blue", has that Erasure vibe that I was talking about, starting out shimmering and effulgent, then ending in a groovy rhythm and celestial harmonies.

There are a lot of songs on this record, so it took me a while to get familiar with all of them.  My personal faves are "Keep You On My Side" which is furious, Mayberry complaining about a jilted love, a familiar theme on "Empty Threat".  The somber and languid "Down Side of Me" is probably my favorite song, especially when it plays with layering vocal tracks towards the end.  "Playing Dead" is a fantastic example of how this band spins such a huge sound bound up with so many swirling feelings with only three musicians.

The whole album is really great.  As I listened, I had to refrain fro going on Facebook every five minutes to rave about it.  Hopefully, the novelty doesn't wear off after a bit of time, like Chinese food, like the first album.  Hopefully, this is one that will have me coming back for more.