CHVRCHES Live at Hype Machine’s Hype Hotel SXSW 2013

Scotland’s CHVRCHES took over the Hype Hotel Thursday afternoon, bringing their high-octane electro-pop to the cavernous Austin venue. Bathed in fog and beaming lights, the trio mixed hits (“Lies”, “Recover”) and new material—including a track with vocals by Martin Doherty (instead of usual lead Lauren Mayberry). The crowd couldn’t help but move as Mayberry’s high, clear tone soared above beats and shimmery synths. The set was short but powerful, an exciting taste of the band’s upcoming debut album.