Chvrches - Leave A Trace

Within two years of Chvrches becoming concrete, their sudden explosion into a world-reaching group upon the release of first LP ‘The Bones of What You Believe’, especially in the US, felt like a shock. It came as something of a surprise that a group of small foundations in Scotland would grow into a world-beating group. Now, though, with the release of second record ‘Every Open Eye’ approaching, the confounding opinion that met their popularity feels mightily unjust.

With ‘Leave A Trace’ in particular, the trio have taken their emotional style into darker, slightly more subdued territory, while remaining a voice; combative and confrontational. That doesn’t mean the trio hasn’t retained its grand song-writing style and forthright lyricism. Mayberry sounds revived, assured, and inspiringly unbreakable, her delivery the core emotion within the track over understated ice-cold synth breaks and pulsating bass lines. The trio have somehow injected further emotion and depth into their sound from ‘The Bones of What You Believe’, Cook and Doherty’s syncopated instrumentals having become a more definitive part of Chvrches sound.

Upon their return, Chrvches appear undaunted and focused on their own matters at hand. While they deliver affecting music, what’s important is that they are doing it in their own terms, and will prosper from doing so.