Chvrches

album not exactly robbed on eoy lists but nowhere near the presence of Bones - so anyway, maybe "leave a trace" does miss the mark a bit as a single? a bit to indirect beating around the bush etc. (what I thought when listening on the bus this morning anyway)

I think it's a bit of a weaker album, but it has definitely grown on me and is still one of my favorites for the year

Still play this all the time and will be in my Top 3. Have also listened to the debut again and agree it's a better album.

I absolutely adore both of their albums, and feel the new one to be the superior record. Can't wait for their third.

Video for "Clearest Blue"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZyzX4c1vIs

nice, one of my favorite songs on my Album of the Year 2015.

been raving to this in my car this week

I'm still spinning Every Open Eye on a regular basis. I did give it a break for a week or so at the beginning of the year, but when I returned to it it sounded as wonderful as ever. Brilliant record, I hope their crucial third record is as good as their first two.

Been listening to the first one too, genuinely thought there was a song going 'I'm a nice guy'
(night sky)

My favourite song on the first album is probably 'Tether', the way that Lauren's voice echoes around those reverb-drenched guitars before it drifts down to a hush and then comes thundering back in with that synth riff. Masterful.

are they worth seeing live? they're coming to Boston in June

Absolutely! Not just from a performance perspective, but because the two records they've put out are so good that every song in their setlist will be a killer.

yeah, I don't doubt that they have a strong setlist (and they're generally good at choosing non-obvious covers, although I'm not sure how often they play them in concert)

i have not seen the live in person but last year, or the year before, they played Coachella and they owned. sometimes acts get lost on the big stage but they had the audience in the palm of their hands. was really one of the highlights from the youtube feed.

i was going to go to this show here in Los Angeles this week but i waited too long to buy tickets. now they are sold out and i'm so pissed.

So I have found out this is a one off show as they're playing Coachella

i might have to scalp tickets. i really, really want to see this show!

as Coachella is out

not sure if i will live blog this year.

Listening to their coachella set now. Mayberry's voice sounds less magical in the live context but is still awesome... better even.

Like she knows that live she really needs to sing powerfully to keep up with those pulsing multidimensional synths.

I think this band is better than most people who listen to them assume. Their sound is very accessible but pretty unique, and Mayberry is an incredible vocalist especially compared to other indie synth bands of similar renown.

These songs are all so good

(not at coachella btw.. Listening on sirius xm in a car in new jersey)

I'd say they're about tied with Kendrick as my fave new artist of the decade thus far.

Yeah, they're definitely one of my favourite acts of the decade too, if not my favourite!

Gotta post this today:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mJ4wedBN10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-2vYI7cnaQ

when_worlds_collide.mp3

any of you ilx0rs see them in NYC this weekend? the show tonight was very solid IMO

Lauren just walked in to the bar where Im at. What to do, what to do

I'd probably just leave her to get on with her night, tbh.

Yes. That's my plan exactly.

Dave Stewart (yes, he of the Eurythmics) just recently posted a picture of himself in the studio with Chvrches... wonder if there's a new LP in the works and Stewart's working on it...

don't get the allure of this band at all

Synths pulsing in your face

The allure of this band is that they're the best new UK synthpop band since Pet Shop Boys debuted in the mid '80s, which for synthpop fans such as myself is obviously a great thing. They've released two excellent albums and can't wait for their third. Plus, unlike some other acts, such as The 1975, Chvrches are an example of '80s revivalism done well. No posers in this band.

i read that entire post thinking "there's no way turrican can resist mentioning the 1975... ah there it is"

Lauren Mayberry has a piercing clear voice that commands its frequency range amidst the pulsing synths. Would be nice if the lyrics merited the clarity.

they're the best new UK synthpop band since Pet Shop Boys debuted in the mid '80s

That title belongs to Ladytron or Goldfrapp imo.

I'm also open to Pooka (2001 album), Client or Hot Chip as the opposition.

I like Chvrches, but I fully recognize they're some sort of "Cranberries +" Rorschach test.

Yeah, def. Ladytron or Goldfrapp over Chrvrches.

This owns though

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRwRsF5_NVM

that is a jam

I love Ladytron and think they have some wonderful stuff, but they didn't come into their own for me until Witching Hour

I also love Goldfrapp and they'd undoubtedly take the title for me if they didn't have a split personality of synthpop band vs. folk act.

Chvrches have released two superb albums and have never deviated from their synthpop template, therefore it's them.

Client were/are garbage, and I don't like Hot Chip at all.

Also, unlike a lot of synth-pop revivalists, Chvrches has a vocalist who can actually sing.

^ Absolutely. Which is why I find that Cranberries comparison incredibly wtf.

I cannot think of a single stylistic similarity between Chvrches and the Cranberries.

client were/are great but I'd still pick Ladytron; Chvrches don't really work in the same vein except for a few scattered songs mostly on the debut, also wtf cranberries

Which is why I find that Cranberries comparison incredibly wtf.

It's a horrible thing to accuse anyone of.

Goldfrapp's two explicitly synthpop records "Black Cherry" and "Supernature" are miles better than Chvrches.

UK based Fear of Men's last album "Fall Forever" did interest things with synth-pop but was totally slept on in 2017

It all comes down to personal taste anyway *shrugs*