Grade: A-
Chvrches, the three-piece synth-pop darlings from Scotland, finally presented the world with an official full-length studio album. The band creates a tidal wave of dreamy pop with “The Bones Of What You Believe” that may help propel it into more mainstream status because the talent is definitely present. Lead singer Lauren Mayberry’s voice sparkles with the twinkling sounds of the synth keyboard and rapid percussion. Chvrches’ sound is quite complex and idiosyncratic while maintaining a signature quality that’s easily recognizable — though the foreign accents, duets of female and male vocals and heavy synth use makes Chvrches quite comparable to The xx. However, Chvrches’ upbeat tempos and glitch-rock separate the group from similar acts. Top tracks to check out and emerge in electro bliss include “Gun,” “Recover” and “Lungs.”