Forgive me for the bluntness of my next statement, but here it is: the phrase ‘difficult second album’ does not apply to Chvrches’ newest release. A bold declaration perhaps? A slightly risky claim maybe? Not at all, and once you listen to Every Open Eye, you’ll see where my sentiments come from.
2013’s debut album The Bones of What You Believe was a collection of tentative, bittersweet sounding tracks that piqued interest and gained the band a huge fan base. So that’s one in the bag. Skip ahead to late 2015 and the Chvrches tale has continued, but this time with a healthy dose of wisdom, insight and experience that’s key to every one of the album’s tracks.
So lets’s start at the beginning. The story of walking away covered by opener Never Ending Circles is made pleasantly upbeat thanks to its consistently even, plodding electro beats and the accompanying comforting bed of sparkly pops and low-fi bangs. And with the beautifully pitched vocals of Lauren Mayberry bringing it all together, it’s a tale of woe with a glimmer of brightness weaved in. Leave a Trace (previously reviewed) is the album’s stand out track; perfectly formed and with a barely contained slap of rage built in behind the scenes. And Make Them Gold is a gorgeous 80s homage and the album’s main anthem contender, complete with its sing-a-long qualities, heart-racing beats and huge presence.
High Enough to Carry You Over (at the album’s midway point) sees Mayberry handing the mic over to Martin Doherty, a perfect track for his voice to lead on. Like Leave a Trace, it’s a lyrical journey through a relationship breakdown, except the emotional roller coaster ride of Doherty’s story has yet to reach the angry stage expressed by Mayberry during her time on the heart’s bumpy battle ground.
Based on its assured attitude, honest and wise outlook and sparkles of hope entwined with every note, Every Open Eye is one of the albums of 2015. And if you think that’s another lofty claim, get yourself acquainted with the album and see if i’m wrong.
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