I can't remember how I first became aware of Chvrches, but I suspect they were a recommendation from last.fm or Amazon. I began listening to their music in 2014 and I liked them so much I ordered their album on vinyl.
Amazon soon dispatched me a copy of "The Bones Of What You Believe" on Vertigo records - which was a bit disappointing as they advertised it as the Virgin Records UK version. I know from past experience that Amazon aren't particularly fussy about specific pressings and the product details section of their website is often a work of fiction. At least it was the right album.
There is some great electronic pop music on this record and the band are contemporary enough to make me feel vaguely on trend for only the second time since 1998. I think the first track I heard of theirs was the opener "The Mother We Share" which has a soaring chorus augmented by some amazing programming. The album maintains a consistently high level until the sixth track "Under The Tide" which sees Martin replace the magnificent Lauren on vocals. Now, I acknowledge that Martin probably has more talent in his little finger than I can ever hope to posses; but I hate his singing voice. My aversion is so strong have to skip literally every track where he takes lead vocals. Unfortunately the album never really recovers from this trough and the second side seems to play itself out in a mediocre haze. Still, the first five songs are worth investigating. 3/5
