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Current concise reviews of the albums by adult alternative, contemporary, and crossover artists. Images of album artwork and links to both internet-based resources are always included. Click on the title to view the article.

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Chvrches - The Mother We Share - CD Artwork
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\r\nimage © Chvrches 2012


Chvrches - The Band
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Chvrches (l-r): Lauren Mayberry,
Ian Cook, Martin Doherty
band image © Chvrches 2012

Lauren Mayberry
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Lauren Mayberry (lead vocals)
image © Provehito Photography 2012
 

(17 March 2013) Chvrches is a rapidly emerging three piece act from Glasgow, Scotland. The band is fronted by their stunning vocalist Lauren Mayberry. Mayberry--who has also completed university degrees in journalism and law--was formerly with the band Blue Sky Archives who released three successful EPs during 2011 and 2012.

In the second half of 2012, Mayberry join Ian Cook and Martin Doherty to form Chvrches. Chvrches are today known as an electropop or synthpop band. While keyboards and guitars are used, listen for the voice samples used in the arrangements alongside Mayberry's sweet vocal parts. They band are said to be working on adding strength to their live act.

Chvrches were chosen for the fifth spot of the BBC Sound of 2013 new music list. The list, which aims to showcase the best new acts for the year ahead, was compiled using tips from 213 UK-based critics, broadcasters and bloggers. Now in its 11th year, previous winners include Michael Kiwanuka, Jessie J, Adele, Mika, Ellie Goulding and Keane. Readers should note that the band Haim were selected for the first spot. Both bands received significant notariety and acclaim for their selections.

Chvrches band have toured extensively during their first year and have released a single and two EPs thusfar. A full length album is being recorded with release planned for third quarter 2013. Watch many of their live performances and see their music videos at YouTube. You can also check out their music on SoundCloud here.

Interested visitors should check out streams of Mayberry's earlier work with Blue Sky Archives at BandCamp here.The three EPs are entitled: Blue Sky Archives, Plural and Triple-A. While the sound is different than Chvrches, the EPs provide a great introduction to Lauren Mayberry's vocals.

While the "Lies" single brought initial attention to the band's recording and the Recover EP is beginning to make the rounds on pre-release, it is their The Mother We Share EP that has brought the brightest spotlight on the band. In addition to Lauren Mayberry's uniquely styled makeup for her live performances, the song is by far the band's most popular.

The three-minue radio-friendly version of "The Mother We Share" glistens with electronic arrangements and vocal samples that back Lauren Mayberry's crystalline and sweetly delivered vocals. The sharp contrast between verse and chorus keeps interest as the song builds towards a light instrumental break before wrapping up with a tremendous hook. Listen for the thick vocal samples that span the entire arrangement.

In "The Mother We Share" (A JD Twitch Optimo Mix), electronics dominate while the vocal samples continue to carry the melody as the song transitions between the rhythmic dance-oriented passages. It's a dance mix that, while different from the original radio edit, hasn't gone too far and remains interesting while sounding great.

Alternatively in "The Mother We Share" (Miaoux Miaoux Mix), lyrical parts of the original are integrated with edxtremely lush keyboards, alternative smooth dance rhythms and an especially bright treatment of Lauren's vocals thereby creating another great version of Chvrch's most popular track to date.

In addition to "Lies," "The Mother We Share" and "Recover," avid listeners will easily locate the b-sides and band's other recordings: "ZWL," "Now Is Note The Time," "Recover" (CID RIM Mix)," "I Would Die 4 V," "Science and Vision," "We Sink" and a remix they did for another band entitled "Gold Dayzz" (Chvrches Remix). Clearly Chvrches have a lot of good music in the works. Fronted by the stunning Lauren Mayberry, we are very eager to hear their full length album when it is released later this year.

 
 
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