Stream CHVRCHES New Album ‘Every Open Eye’ Before Release

If Every Open Eye is anything to go by – and given that it’s only Chvrches’ second album, it might be a tad early to view it as conclusive proof – the Glaswegian trio seem quite comfortable sticking to what they know. UnderTheRadar caught up Ian Cook for a chat about the new record, critic’s reviews, working with Lorde, and their upcoming appearance at Laneway… “Every open eye”, croons Mayberry on the electro-hued cut. Two years spent touring has gone a long way towards helping them find themselves and put to rest the hesitancy that bogged down parts of their debut.

Scottish synth-pop trio Chvrches.

The greatest example of Chvrches” growing strength is the thrilling slow-build of Clearest Blue, Mayberry urging romantic compromise as Cook and Doherty’s synths whirl around her, before shouting, “Will you meet me more than halfway, yeah!’ and giving way to a barking, skidding four-to-the-floor beat that races the song to its conclusion. In the blistering kiss-off, Mayberry took a stand against a terrible romance, telling the person with conviction: “Take care to bury all that you can / Take care to leave a trace of a man”.

The record’s single, “Leave a Trace”, surfaced in July. Mayberry & Co. are keen to move on from what’s come before, and the topics of growth and change are often referenced.

Following up debut “The Bones of What You Believe”, this second LP sees them upping the ante in every way.

Every Open Eye is the sound of a band moving steadily forward, while keeping one foot grounded in the origin of their success. It may not be the valedictory finish an album as colossal-sounding as this could benefit from, but it works wonderfully as an epilogue and is one of the most handsome songs in their catalog to date.