Chvrches - Love Is Dead (Album Review)

It's been over two years since Chvrches incredible sophomore release Every Open Eye, in my opinion one of the best albums of the decade, so I was highly anticipating the followup, especially after hearing them cover Tegan and Sara's 'Call It Off' last year. In January I got my first taste of Love Is Dead when the band dropped lead single 'Get Out', a pop powerhouse with some incredible production and mixing as well as the band's signature synths really shining. Whilst it is by no means Chvrches best work it has been something I listen to constantly and it definitely raised my anticipation. Now, four months on, Love Is Dead has been released and is full of fresh, brilliant poppy material from the energetic 'Graffiti' to the mesmerisingly vulnerable 'Really Gone', the latter being a personal moment where Lauren Mayberry's vocals are at their very best and most expressive. All over the album I have to say that her singing has greatly improved and developed, often rising above the rest of the song. This is especially clear on the bland, trend-abiding 'Miracle' with its annoying "oah-whoah" backing vocals in the chorus and yet spectacular finale that may be excessively over the top but still entertains. Similar things could be said for 'Never Say Die', but unlike 'Miracle' it outshines its flaws.

In fact, most songs on the album have a much more full and poppy sound than Chvrches usually do, perhaps misusing the space and yet pulling through with might. These songs boast catchy choruses, valuable verses and some staggering synths that blow you away in whirlwinds of awe. Honestly, Love Is Dead can definitely be called an accomplishment with such successful highs and only one true low that is 'Miracle', a song that has grown on me massively despite everything.

With Matt Berninger on 'My Enemy' bringing some excellent lines and only strengthening the vibe of the song, it being a new wave inspired jam that includes gorgeous builds, a brilliant flow and an entrapping atmosphere. With similar vibes is the awesome, captivating 'God's Plan', a new wave epic which is constantly building and layering up more synths, percussion and more. It's lead by Martin vocally and compared to his previous efforts at the helm of a song 'God's Plan' excells. If you only listen to three songs from the album make it 'God's Plan', 'Really Gone' and 'Graves'. The latter is a grooving, building, charged spectacular with nods to Chvrches earlier work and still possessing a mighty chorus and untouchable sonic flow.

After at least 6 listens to this brilliant pop record, the only criticisms I have are the choice of singles and the album's lack of vocal samples of Lauren and Martin's voices being played on the synths, an iconic part of the band. Aside from that I love the album. 8.5/10

Songs rated worst to best:
13. Miracle
12. ii
11. Deliverance
10. Never Say Die
9. Graffiti
8. Forever
7. Heaven/Hell
6. Wonderland
5. Get Out
4. My Enemy
3. Graves
2. Really Gone
1. God's Plan