Review:
CHVRCHES is synthpop group from Glasgow, Scotland, comprised of three members: Lauren
Mayberry, Iain Cook, and Martin Doherty. The Bones of What You Believe is their
debut album.
Musically, the group falls easily
into the current trend of electronically influenced pop music, but CHVRCHES
seems to rise above the sameness of many of pop’s current acts. While there are
moments in which their music feels like New Order or Daft Punk (among other
influences), the trio presents their sound in a very fresh-feeling manner. The songs
are all infectious and emotion filled. Sonically, the music is very synth and
drum machine driven, but again it somehow feels new and different (even though
it really is not) with grand ambition. Lauren Mayberry’s sweet and enchanting
voice is in many ways its own instrument, arranged with the drums and synths to
create an overall sound that is just bewitching, catchy, and visceral.
There are certainly a number of
great pop singles on the album, but there are also wonderful deep cuts (like
the brilliantly atmospheric track Tether). And to this, the
album is strong throughout, void of throwaway filler tracks (which is a nice
change of pace from what listeners can normally expect from pop releases). CHVRCHES
very much believes in the concept of an album – the ebb and flow – and thusly
meticulously and precisely structured The Bones of What You Believe to
musically swell with emotion in moments and just feel fun in others, creating
an engrossing and musically sweeping experience for the listener.
Lyrically, the album at first
appears to be made up of a series of dark love songs – maybe even a little detached
and sinister. However, Mayberry’s voice carries with it such an intimacy
(perfectly juxtaposing to the big sonic sound of the synths) that the listener
cannot help but fall under her spell. Her voice is delicate and jubilant often
in the same moments.
There was a lot of anticipation
for CHVRCHES’s album after a string of fantastic singles, and The Bones of What
You Believe does not disappoint in the slightest. It is a hip, layered, and fun
pop album that grabs the listener and holds them from start to finish. This is
not an album to miss. 5/5
Essential Tracks:
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