History
CHVRCHES: A Scottish Electronic Pop Powerhouse
CHVRCHES, pronounced "churches," is a Scottish electronic band formed in Glasgow in 2011. The group features Lauren Mayberry on lead vocals, Iain Cook on synths, guitar, bass, and vocals, and Martin Doherty on synths, samplers, and vocals. Their distinctive sound blends infectious synth-pop melodies with Mayberry's powerful and emotive vocals, establishing them as a prominent force in contemporary electronic music.
Early Beginnings and Formation
The band originated as a studio project between long-time friends Iain Cook and Martin Doherty in October 2011. Cook, who had prior musical experience with bands like Aereogramme and The Unwinding Hours, knew Lauren Mayberry from her work with Blue Sky Archives. He recognized her vocal talent and suggested she join their project. Mayberry, who also has a background in law and journalism, brought a unique perspective and drive to the nascent group.
Debut and Critical Acclaim
CHVRCHES released their debut single "Lies" in May 2012, which garnered significant attention and was ranked number 28 on NME's Best Tracks of 2012. The band's debut album, The Bones of What You Believe, was released on September 20, 2013. Supported by singles like "The Mother We Share," "Recover," and "Gun," the album received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying their position in the music scene. Their early recognition was further highlighted by their fifth-place ranking on the BBC's Sound of 2013 list and winning the Inaugural Grulke Prize at SXSW for Developing Non-US Act.
Subsequent Albums and Evolution
The band's sophomore album, Every Open Eye, arrived on September 25, 2015. Building on the success of their debut, the album showcased an expanded instrumental palette and continued their signature synth-driven sound with tracks like "Leave a Trace," "Never Ending Circles," and "Clearest Blue." In 2016, they collaborated with Solar Fields on the song "Warning Call" for the video game Mirror's Edge Catalyst and released a version of "Bury It" featuring Hayley Williams.
Their third album, Love Is Dead, was released on May 25, 2018. Recorded across various cities, the album featured collaborations with producers like Greg Kurstin and Dave Stewart. Singles from the album included "Get Out," "My Enemy" (featuring Matt Berninger), "Never Say Die," and "Miracle." The band also explored collaborations with Marshmello on "Here with Me" and released the song "Death Stranding" for the video game of the same name.
CHVRCHES' fourth album, Screen Violence, was released on August 27, 2021. Produced remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the album featured singles such as "He Said She Said," "How Not to Drown" (with Robert Smith), and "Good Girls." The band performed tracks from the album on various television programs, including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Recent Developments and Future Outlook
In 2022, CHVRCHES signed with Island Records and EMI Records. Their first single under the new deal, "Over," was released in February 2023. In July 2023, Lauren Mayberry announced plans for solo music and a solo tour, coinciding with a hiatus for CHVRCHES. She expressed gratitude for her time with the band and confidence in its future, stating, "the Chvrches story has many more pages yet to be written."
In October 2023, a special 10th-anniversary edition of their debut album, The Bones of What You Believe, was released, featuring previously unreleased tracks, live recordings, and the original album. The release included the single "Manhattan."
