Album Review: Chvrches - Every Open Eye
By Shem Krey, Contributor
[Glassnote; 2015)
Rating: 3.5/5
Key Tracks: “Clearest Blue,” “Make Them Gold,” “Never Ending Circles”
The powerful synth rhythms on the first side of Chvrches’ sophomore album Every Open Eye are assertive declarations of the band’s growth since its 2013 debut, The Bones of What You Believe. The band’s technical and artistic capabilities are exemplified in the five tracks of side one, which culminates on Chvrches'’ best song so far: “Clearest Blue.”
On “Make Them Gold,” Lauren Mayberry proclaims, “We will take the best parts of ourselves and make them gold,” which could be interpreted as the band’s artistic direction. The band has opted to stick with the powerful stadium sound “Gun” and “Tether” offered listeners, which might disappoint fans of their simpler songs like “Night Sky” and “Lungs.”
Flipping the record over may also lead to disappointment. The second half begins with Martin Doherty singing the lead on “High Enough To Carry You Over.” Although his vocals have significantly improved, the song is lyrically repetitive. On “Empty Threat,” Mayberry’s vocals sound awkwardly sped up; the song is followed by “Down Side of Me” which drags on for far too long, and “Playing Dead” has an extremely weak chorus. Each of these four songs have excellent production value, but they would have been stronger as individual tracks than in the context of Every Open Eye.
The last two tracks are really strong album closers, with “Bury It” bringing back the powerful synths from the first half. Closing song “Afterglow” is the slowest and most serene on the album, but the touch of calm is relaxing after such a high-energy record.
The first half of this album is incredible, and although the second half is a little shaky at times, this is still one of the best electronic releases of the year. It is clear Chvrches are trying to perfect their formula, and Every Open Eye is a strong step in the right direction.
