Third time’s the charm
What is the best way to get over an ex or a past grudge? Release an album of songs to really let those people know you’re doing just fine. Scottish synth-pop group Chvrches is back with their third studio album, Love Is Dead. Frontwoman Lauren Mayberry, Lain Cook and Martin Doherty have been creating comfort music since 2013 with the release of their EP Recover. Chvrches combine moody and joyful moments from their very personal lives to seamlessly create an album based around letting go and moving on.
Love Is Dead, although starting out sounding dark, creates a whole new light in the realm of being able to express oneself honestly. The 13-track album leads with “Graffiti” which is arguably the best song on the album. The track allows Mayberry to explode through her fluorescent vocals and to be able to say goodbye to what was. The heavy use of synthesizers and ’80s influence sounds like classic Chvrches along with the overly-catchy chorus.
Lead track “Really Gone” stands out among the other tracks because of its “women-power” overtone, defeating stereotypes of female pop artists. Mayberry makes it clear that this track relates back to the abuse that women in bands endure. “My Enemy,” featuring The National frontman Matt Berninger, creates a moody and politically-charged song that is a never-ending battle to access emotions. “Forever” leaves a remorseful Mayberry in a state of peace after stating lyrics like, “I always regret the night I told you I would hate you till forever,” then yelling, “Maybe I am just too much for you,” at the climax of the song. Tracks like “Wonderland” and “Heaven/Hell” help bring the album to a playfully tender finish.
Love is Dead is something out of the ordinary for a band that is always so ahead of the indie game. The album bleeds emotion and is clearly here to make a statement, though we might not know exactly who, what, where, when or why Mayberry is examining why love might really be dead. In any case, Chvrches prove their uniqueness once again and leave the listener wanting more like a juicy, gossip-filled story.
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