For an electronic pop trio that claims to have started on the Internet and refers to themselves as an “emo band in disguise,” Chvrches has definitely not disappointed fans with their sophomore album “Every Open Eye.”
For members Lauren Mayberry, Martin Doherty and Iain Cook, their latest project is a combination of their own winning formula, plus a sampling of Michael Jackson 80s-esque R&B, according to an interview with VH1.
The radio hit “Leave a Trace” is musically reminiscent of their hit single “The Mother We Share,” bringing back a similar augmented deep bass beat overlaid with rhythmic vocal percussion. Comparatively, I find the deeper tracks to be more original and cohesive to the album’s sound as a whole — a colorful, synthesized, progressive universe.
In listening to Chvrches’ latest release and doing some research into the band itself, there are several things that have stood out to me. So without further ado, here are three reasons you should give this group a chance, if you haven’t already.
1. “Every Open Eye” is filled with emotional resonance. Techno pop music is often defined more by the intensity of the bass drop than by lyrical significance, and excluding delusional dreamers like Owl City, Chvrches achieves a level of intimacy in their lyrics that seems to surpass other artists in their genre.
In “Clearest Blue,” a track that is ultimately representative of the album in its entirety, Mayberry opens up and pleads for understanding. However, in the closing song, “Afterglow,” she seems to have reached a point of exhausted independence (I’ll find my own way back / Back to the past tense / I’ve given up all I can).
2. Chvrches is the definition of independent artistry. Lead vocalist Mayberry is 25 years old, and already has a law degree, a master’s degree in journalism and “a sense of humor about the futility of such assets in today’s job market,” according to Pitchfork.
Their first album was recorded in a dinky Glasgow basement flat, and in staying true to their origins, the band recorded their sophomore album in the same location, albeit with slightly more expensive equipment.
3. Chvrches is sticking to their guns, and in a world where beauty sells, they are refusing to let the media photographers push the men into the background and portray Mayberry as the face, muse and talent that is Chvrches.
“We wanted to establish (Chvrches) as a band first and foremost, and have that base,” Mayberry said in an August 2015 interview with Vulture magazine. “We’ve done a couple of women’s mags, but we tend to talk about feminism and women in the industry, which I feel more comfortable talking about. It’s a more valuable discussion than, ‘Oh, you’re a girl in a band, what hair conditioner do you use?’ I use hair conditioner, and I like talking about it, but I don’t want that to be the question.”
I daresay, in a one-hit wonder world, a band with this much team spirit will likely be in it for the long haul. And I look forward to seeing where they go.
