Chvrches the new electro-pop band from Glasgow, Scotland, has been rising in popularity, especially in the U.S.,  since the release of their first studio album back in September, 2013 . The title of the album is The Bones of What You Believe and mainly focuses on dying relationships and the need to break off ties for the sake of oneself. Featuring Lauren Mayberry (lead vocalist, additional synthesizer), Lain Cook (synthesizer, guitar, and bass), and Martin Doherty (synthesizers and samplers), the trio came in fifth on the BBC’s Sound of 2013 list of the most promising music talent.

The members originally belonged to separate bands and got together in 2011. Mayberry was originally pursuing a career in writing and even won a prestigious award back in 2010 on an article about the hygiene of body piercing. Doherty was a member of the indie band The Twilight Saga, and Cook was part of the Scottish Indie bands, Aerogramme and The Unwinding hours.

Even though they are considered an electro-pop band they have been influenced by the previous bands they belonged to. When I listened to the entire album, I found myself thinking of the Australian indie rock band Atlas Genius and the alternative band Phoenix.  They have also been heavily influenced by 80’s idols, such as Prince, Cyndi Lauper, and Whitney Houston.

Mayberry’s sweet hypnotic voice brings to life a recurring bittersweet message to let go of a harmful failed relationship. The majority of the songs come back to this theme, giving you a nostalgic feel at the beginning, and leaving you with in a resolute mood at the end. The song “Recover” is basically about someone willing to give her relationship another chance if he’s willing to change, but at the same time knowing he doesn’t care enough to actually try: “I’ll give you one more chance. Say you can change our old ways. Can you take what you need? And you know you don’t need me.” It sounds desperately hopeful, almost to the point where you believe it might have a happy ending. The song “Night Sky” relates the story of someone who wants to remember and be remembered by an old flame. Like the rest of the songs from the album, it is very catchy and long after it’s over you’ll find yourself singing over and over “I’m the night sky, I’m the fire in your eyes.”

The songs “Caught by the throat” and “Gun” relay a different message, focusing on vengeance. “Caught by the throat” stood out to me the most because it seemed to be more upbeat in the beginning with a few pauses, while the rest seemed to start out slowly.

The first time I listened to the album, I felt that the songs kind of blended into each other. It’s the kind of album that you’ll like, but will begin to love as you listen more times to it. Once you begin to really listen to the lyrics you realize that even though they’re catchy, they also have a deeper message.  I liked most of the songs with the exception of “We Sink” and “Science Visions.” Mayberry’s entrancing sweet voice, the hypnotic beat of the songs, and the brooding lyrics behind it all are what made this album so great. I honestly believe that Chvrches has a bright future lying ahead if they keep up this kind of work and for that reason I would have to give the album 4 out of 5.