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.

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!