The new CHVRCHES album is a step away from their past discography, but rather than being a misstep it ends up bringing listeners into a new evolution of the band. Darker subjects are explored in more straight-forward pop songs. The production has gone up with louder stadium hits balancing against the harsh realities expressed through Lauren Mayberry's vocals. "Graffiti" throws the listener right into the new soundscape with heavier drumbeats and louder bass. The lyrics are far from optimistic claiming that "time to kill was always an illusion". The next track hits the ears with a continued demand to "Get Out". Clearly there is a rough patch that Mayberry is revealing to her listeners.
On the fourth track, a familiar voice joins Mayberry. Her sweet choruses play really nicely along with Matt Berninger's subtle, yet catchy verses. "My Enemy" is slow, but one of the greatest track on the record because of the strong singer combination. To follow-up this song, CHVRCHES offers us a return to the new stadium-ready sound. The darkness is prominent in "Forever", with sad lyrics playing along with the shimmering synthesizers. The next track on the album is more reminiscent of the previous CHVRCHES albums. "Never Say Die" grows into a memorable track once the layers start to build up, creating a beautiful canvas in the background of our minds.
Finally we get to hear the most debated track on the album. Since "Miracle" was released as a single, CHVRCHES fans have complained that it is a huge misstep for the band. I completely disagree. This new sound is fantastic, with a booming chorus and interesting instrumentals to keep the listener engaged. I'll admit that the song is tough to get used to at first, but it is truly a delightful listen every time it comes up.
The second half of the album contributes a return to the early 2000s pop style. "Graves" is a fun listen with a catchy chorus that continues throughout the track. On the tenth track, we get another band member's voice to take over lead vocals. Martin Doherty offers a break from Mayberry's pop soundscape with a loungey track titled "God's Plan". No this isn't a Drake cover, but it is just as catchy as his hit!
The band closes the album with three softer tracks to leave the listener with a less intense sound. "Wonderland" opens up to a brighter chorus that leaves all of the darkness behind. The track is a refreshing end to the album, which is an escape from the old CHVRCHES. The change works for me, but other fans might struggle with the different sound.
Score: 9/10
Favorite Tracks: "Graffiti", "Get Out", "My Enemy", "Forever", "Miracle", "God's Plan", "Wonderland"
Least Favorite Tracks: "Deliverance", "Really Gone"
Image credit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/31/Love-I_dead.jpg/220px-Love-I_dead.jpg
On the fourth track, a familiar voice joins Mayberry. Her sweet choruses play really nicely along with Matt Berninger's subtle, yet catchy verses. "My Enemy" is slow, but one of the greatest track on the record because of the strong singer combination. To follow-up this song, CHVRCHES offers us a return to the new stadium-ready sound. The darkness is prominent in "Forever", with sad lyrics playing along with the shimmering synthesizers. The next track on the album is more reminiscent of the previous CHVRCHES albums. "Never Say Die" grows into a memorable track once the layers start to build up, creating a beautiful canvas in the background of our minds.
Finally we get to hear the most debated track on the album. Since "Miracle" was released as a single, CHVRCHES fans have complained that it is a huge misstep for the band. I completely disagree. This new sound is fantastic, with a booming chorus and interesting instrumentals to keep the listener engaged. I'll admit that the song is tough to get used to at first, but it is truly a delightful listen every time it comes up.
The second half of the album contributes a return to the early 2000s pop style. "Graves" is a fun listen with a catchy chorus that continues throughout the track. On the tenth track, we get another band member's voice to take over lead vocals. Martin Doherty offers a break from Mayberry's pop soundscape with a loungey track titled "God's Plan". No this isn't a Drake cover, but it is just as catchy as his hit!
The band closes the album with three softer tracks to leave the listener with a less intense sound. "Wonderland" opens up to a brighter chorus that leaves all of the darkness behind. The track is a refreshing end to the album, which is an escape from the old CHVRCHES. The change works for me, but other fans might struggle with the different sound.
Score: 9/10
Favorite Tracks: "Graffiti", "Get Out", "My Enemy", "Forever", "Miracle", "God's Plan", "Wonderland"
Least Favorite Tracks: "Deliverance", "Really Gone"
Image credit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/31/Love-I_dead.jpg/220px-Love-I_dead.jpg
