The song’s title is probably going to change, but the hooks won’t. Check it out for yourself here.

Photo Credit: Sharon Alagna

Chvrches’ new song is poppy, catchy and…doesn’t quite have a name yet.

The group performed the new song, tentatively titled “Richard Pryor,” at Austin City Limits. Although the track doesn’t yet have a permanent title, and at this rate might never get one, the song itself is fully realized.

“Richard Pryor” (if that is your real name) plays off of the same melody ideas that have made Chvrches an indie darling. The song begins with a plinky sound effect, then slowly builds into crashing synth lines and trash-can-inspired drum tracks.

Singer Lauren Mayberry sweetly coos over the synthed-out tune. It has a staccato feel, yet the overall track is ethereal. Despite the intimidating drums, the song slowly rocks through the verses with an almost drunken sway.

The performance is near perfection, with Mayberry carrying the tune through powerfully. The prechorus erupts from the smaller, gentler verses. The song dips from light, soft verse lyrics to a thrust of vocal and synth power in the chorus. It’s an audio rollercoaster ride.

Mayberry screams, “Hold on to an idea, and we’re fighting what we can’t see. We just hold on to an idea, and we’ll go until we can’t hear.”

It should come as no surprise that the backing tracks on “Richard Pryor” were solid throughout the Austin City Limits performance. What was most compelling about the show was Mayberry’s strong voice. She hits every high note with impressive ease. She doesn’t force the notes out through sheer brute strength. Instead, she has them fully under her control. Despite its power and impressive range, her voice remains light and airy all through the Austin City Limits show.

While this is the first performance of “Richard Pryor” Austin City Limits has seen, it’s certainly not a first for the band. Chvrches has played the song multiple times, but it was under different actors’ names on each setlist. It will be interesting to see what title, if any, they stick with on an official release.

Chvrches has been out on tour this fall, with Austin City Limits one of many stops along the way.

To listen to the new song “Richard Pryor” from one of their most recent performances, check out the video below of the audio recording: