[ Overview ]
CHVRCHES ascension since first sharing The Bones of What You Believe two years ago has been both undeniable and unstoppable. What’s even more profound is that the trio of Lauren Mayberry, Martin Doherty, and Iain Cook are behind every aspect of CHVRCHES. From the intellectually passionate and empowered lyrics, to the outrageously infectious synth-laced melodies and back down again to the captivating and ethereal atmospheres - everything is internal, because frankly, that’s what bands are supposed to do.
The album starts off with incredible force in a stellar anthem of resilience, Never Ending Circles. With a backing of fierce electric production, Mayberry seizes control and makes everyone aware of her new found enthusiasm and focus as she exclaims, “I’ll go my way if I’m going at all”. Every Open Eye doesn’t show any restraint from there. As the album moves forward, the tracks build upon one another and all carry the thematic undertones of empowerment and maintaining control. There’s the completely and ineffably liberating Leave a Trace where Mayberry finds closure in this “middle finger mic drop” of a track aimed at a previous partner. The song cleanses with coruscating synths and powerful emotional tones as it covers the end-point of a relationship where there’s no chance of resolve and no rationale for continuing. The album continues with the slow burn of Clearest Blue where Mayberry’s assuring voice confidently balances fragility and strength between carefully crafted melodies. Every Open Eye is defiant but euphoric, convivial but assertive, festive but pensive, and ultimately everything that CHVRCHES stands for.
There’s a definite symbiosis between this trinity that altogether represents a holistic entity encompassing what it truly means to be a band. With the release of Every Open Eye, one thing is for certain – CHVRCHES fully owns their path, their trajectory, and future. Rest assured, they’ll go their way if they’re going at all.
[ Listen ]