Chvrches
Bones Of What You Believe
CD | MP3
Glassnote Records/Virgin Records
Release date: September 24, 2013

Before I get into this review, just want to give a quick history of my music history. My parents were DJs for weddings and for numerous years I worked at a Sam Goody, where I got the chance to see lots of shows and get introduced to a few new bands. My first concert was White Lion and Stryper, with my parents. Some of you are going to have to Google those bands. I would say the best way to describe my wide musical tastes is that I can sum it up with two days of music festivals: one day I went to Lilith Fair; the next day, Warped Tour.

And as much as I love talking about movies and recommending them to people, every once in awhile, a band or performer comes along and I feel the need to go out and spread the word about them. I wish I could remember who first introduced me to the band Chvrches, because I would love to thank them. And perhaps after reading this review of their album Bones Of What You Believe and checking them out, you will feel the same way as me.

Chvrches is a Scottish synthpop band from Glasgow who have been around for just a few years. They consist of Lauren Mayberry (Boyfriend/Girlfriend), Iain Cook (Aereogramme), and Martin Doherty (The Twilight Sad), and after a chance meeting, they spent some time together working on some songs and decided to see where it would go. The reason for the “v” in their name, simple answer, is so that people would have an easy time finding them on Google.

In early 2013, before their debut release, they band released Recover EP, a four-song sampler that includes a few tracks that didn’t make it onto Bones Of What You Believe, but were worth checking out either way. And since they’ve burst on the scene, they have used the power of the internet and constant touring to spread the word about the band. I have been lucky enough to see them live, once in June at the Lincoln Hall in Chicago, and then a few weeks ago at a local radio station showcase. You can tell they have stepped up their live shows as they perform together more and what you get is a high energy and visual spectacle along with some great music. If you like the album, I would say it’s worth it to check them out live; do it now, you won’t regret it.

And speaking of the album, it comes down to Lauren’s haunting vocals, which stick with you, and of course some great energetic music from Ian and Martin that will make your head and body move at times. It’s not super crazy and wild, but it does also have a mellow mood at times, with a few surprises here and there. A few of my favorite tracks are “Lungs,” “Science/Visions,” “Lies,” and We Sink.”

The album is available in two versions: the basic version, which contains 12 songs, and the deluxe version, which includes two bonus tracks, a few remixes, and a few live performances. So you get the whole experience with the deluxe.

Below are a few videos, just to give you more of a chance to test the waters with them. I highly recommend Bones Of What You Believe and suggest you grab yourself a copy and keep Chvrches are your radar. You won’t regret it.

Video

And there is a nice four-song set worth checking out with that last video. It was played numerous times while I was getting a few things done around the house. It also has an alternate version of “We Sink,” with Martin at lead vocals, as Lauren does lead vocals on the album version.

Be sure and post your favorite songs from the album in the Comments section here below; I would love to hear some feedback on what you think about this debut album from Chvrches.