Review: Chvrches – Recover EP (2013)

By Sean Huncherick

The hardest part of my job reviewing albums for IATU and HM Magazine is that I hear so many generic bands. In fact, even some of the better albums I’ve reviewed have proved to be a bit boring by the second listen. I feel like I’ve heard the same album a hundred times because there’s so little different in much of today’s music. I was a bit discouraged by the state of music today until I heard Scotland’s Chvrches.

Because I don’t listen to the radio, I didn’t hear Chvrches until I saw the unusual name on a concert schedule in Columbus (which is why this review is so late). After hearing their single “Recover,” they got my attention. It isn’t that the band is overly unique – they’re a fairly regular band that mixes post-punk vibes with electronic beats and a female vocalist. Instead, they caught my attention because they’re nearly perfect at what they do. The hooks on “Recover” are some of the best I’ve heard. It has a wonderful 80s vibe due to the heavy use of synthesizers and an electronic beat. On top of the electronics are some lyrics that will be stuck in my head for weeks. They have everything needed to be a top 40s band without crappy lyrics. I like it.

The other four tracks of the EP are a pinch more relaxed than “Recover”. “Now is not the Time” is slower but carries many of the same lyrical themes of “Recover” only with more poetic imagery. “ZVVL” is the only track to feature a male on lead vocals, which makes it feel a bit out of place. The track is a weaker than the others, but hopefully the band works on fitting his voice in more on their full length.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyqemIbjcfg&h=297&w=450]

Like most remixes, the ones on the EP are interesting but not overly special. The CID RIM remix has a series of 8-bit sounding staccatos that sound nice enough to keep your attention, but aren’t exceptionally good. The Curxes remix is significantly more exciting. The vocals are mostly slower than on the original, but the beats are loud and fast. It’s a neat take on the song.

Missing from the EP is their breakthrough track “Lies.” Its absence is a bit disappointing, especially given the two remixes, but the other tracks make up for it. This is the first time I’ve been truly excited about a new band in a long while. If the full-length album is anything like their EP, it will be the best album of the year.