Chvrches Had a Heavenly Year
In late 2013, the Scottish synth-pop group, Chvrches released the standout, ultra-moody track, “Lies” from their album, The Bones of What You Believe. The haunting video can’t help but evoke the impassive quality of the early new-wave ‘80s. (Think part Berlin’s “Metro,” part The Human League’s “Mirror Man,” but with a sleek modernity.) The imagery in “Lies” is full of international intrigue; secrecy and eavesdropping; deceit and danger, as well as pensive brooding in the shadows, none better conveyed than by the lead singer, Lauren Mayberry—the Natalie Portman of pixie-cool electronica.
Last year also saw the release of “Gun,” a pulsating, up-tempo track with a trippy kaleidoscopic video treatment that allowed Mayberry’s black eyeliner to become one of the prominent elements; “Recover,” which once again showcased Mayberry’s sweetly soft, yet determined enunciation. There was an intergalactic-inspired video, along with a second version that was more of a travelogue, documenting the band’s relentless touring and press schedules, pinpointing to just some of the reasons for their recent popularity.
Chvrches is approaching the end of 2014 busier than ever. The Coldplay-sounding “Under the Tide,” released in September, doesn’t include the ethereal styling of Mayberry at the helm, yet she returns to lead vocals on “Dead Air” from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I soundtrack. And speaking of soundtracks, the exceptional “Get Away” was part of the BBC’s “Radio 1 Rescores: Drive.” Curated by the radio DJ and producer, Zane Low, the project was created as a re-imagining of the new-wave, ‘80s-inspired score and soundtrack to the superb 2011 Nicolas Winding Refn film. “Get Away,” as is “Lies,” is signature Chvrches (steady verses; quieter moments in the bridge; the buildup back to the explosive chorus).
And finally, just a few weeks ago, the group performed at the VH1 “You Oughta Know Live in Concert,” which highlights some of the artists and bands that achieved breakout success in the current year, and naturally, ones to watch in the year to come. Although originally released in 2012 and later re-released in Fall 2013, they performed their debut single, “The Mother We Share,” taking novices a.k.a. future fans back to the beginning, giving them the chance to discover just how heavenly Chvrches is.