“You had better run from me with everything you own, cause I am gonna come for you with all that I have,” sings Lauren Mayberry of the Scottish synthpop trio CHVRCHES (pronounced “churches,”) whose debut LP was released stateside September 20. The group consists of Mayberry (lead vocals, synthesizers, samplers), Martin Doherty (synthesizers, samplers, vocals), and Iain Cook (synthesizers, guitar, bass, vocals,).
At a time when overseas artists seem to be trending heavily in America (with acts like The 1975, Bastille, Icona Pop, The Royal Concept, St. Lucia, and Lorde, among others,) CHVRCHES rises to the top of the heap with a sound that’s fresh yet at the same time familiar. Don’t write them off because of some slapped on label. Their “godless hurricane of kinetic pop energy” gives nods to the likes of Depeche Mode, Kate Bush, Prince, Cyndi Lauper, and even Whitney Houston.
Don’t be dissuaded by the influx of electronic acts emerging as of late, either. Believe me. These three have a sound that’s all their own. Listening through the album is a pleasure that’s as dynamic as it is addicting. Having opened for similarly brilliant electro-pop group Passion Pit, and Irish dance-punk trio Two Door Cinema Club, to many they seem to have flourished overnight. CHVRCHES released their official debut single “The Mother We Share” in the Fall of 2012, following up with the four-track Recover EP the following March.
The songs build. The beats pulse. The crisp synth stimulates the senses and Mayberry’s strong vocals dance through your ears with lyrics that are both intelligent and intelligible. (The contributing vocals of Cook and Doherty are a nice touch and make for a more balanced and full sound.) Have I mentioned how dynamic this record is yet? From the bullet-like beats of “Gun” to the heavenly ascending climax titled “You Caught The Light,” one can only wonder where they will go from here.
CHVRCHES has been on a brief headlining tour of America that will be wrapping up this December. I will have the privilege of driving five hours to see their Nashville, TN show before they make their return to Europe. An award-winning act at South By Southwest this year, like it or not you will be hearing more from this group very soon. (I think most people will end up falling into the “like it” category, however.)
It’s hard to find flaws over the twelve-track sonic masterpiece (yeah, I went there). It’s simply a very strong debut with electric energy from a group that’s hardly typical. Mayberry’s not just some “a pretty face,” either – but an educated artist, leader, and role model (read Mayberry’s piece on online sexism here) Cook and Doherty are skilled musicians and producers that represent Glasgow well.
“I can sell you lies, you can’t get enough. Make a true believer of anyone.” Guess she’s right. CHVRCHES will make you a believer. I’ve been converted, myself.
Rating: 4.75 / 5