The record feels like the kind a band releases just before it takes off. If Every Open Eyes turns out to be Chvrches’ breakthrough album, no one should be surprised.
CHVRCHES are a still a terrific alternative to the barrage of mind-numbing EDM and soulless euro trash of acts such as Icona Pop that permeate our airwaves and devour advertisements. Another heavenly and peerless collection from the Glaswegian synth-poppers.
The Glasgow threepiece has figured out what works: in this case, catchy funk-pop ("High Enough to Carry You Over") that threatens the radio friendliness of Bruno Mars, and nods to early Depeche Mode.
Every Open Eye takes an "if it ain't broke" approach, following in the same sonic vein as Bones--sometimes outright repeating Bones--but not really building on it. [No. 125, p.58]
CHVRCHES aim for nothing less than maximum forward impact at all times. Beneath the ice-floe synths and Mayberry’s cool, collected belting is an anxious impulse to please.
Simply amazing! Much more consistent than their previous record, while also reaching the same heights in quality. "Clearest Blue", "PlayingSimply amazing! Much more consistent than their previous record, while also reaching the same heights in quality. "Clearest Blue", "Playing Dead", and "Down Side of Me" are the highlights.…Expand
I think this album is actually stronger than their debut... maybe it doesn't contain a moment the brilliance of "The Mother We Share" but itI think this album is actually stronger than their debut... maybe it doesn't contain a moment the brilliance of "The Mother We Share" but it maintains a consistency throughout... the songs are all great and this is what I was expecting from Chvrches....…Expand
Better than their debut. Better songwriting. A stronger, more confident Mayberry, yet somehow she's more vulnerable. A coalescing of the bestBetter than their debut. Better songwriting. A stronger, more confident Mayberry, yet somehow she's more vulnerable. A coalescing of the best part of Chvrches.
Some may say that it doesn't really expand on their sound, which may be a valid complaint. But with a sound so dead solid perfect, why tinker with it?…Expand
Okay, so this is my third time reviewing this album! Normally after I've listened to an album several times I have a pretty solid opinionOkay, so this is my third time reviewing this album! Normally after I've listened to an album several times I have a pretty solid opinion about it, and at first I thought this album was kind of dull, but after returning to it months later, I definitely have to say it's grown on me. Lauren Mayberry has a nice voice and the songs are fairly well produced, and I especially like that the songs flow together nicely. Overall it's a very feel-good album, but there are some darker, more bittersweet tracks (High Enough to Carry You Over, Down Side of Me) that add some nice variety to the mix as well. My only complaint is that the songwriting, although pretty solid, is very safe. They definitely know how to write good, catchy pop songs, but I think they could really blow everyone else out of the water if they tried experimenting a bit more. Chvrches has massive potential I think, but for now this is a satisfying album that is fun to listen to all the way through, and that's fine by me for the time being.…Expand
Strong beginning but definitely tapers off to a lukewarm second half. The non Mayberry songs are terrible. Less songs more consistency. ReeksStrong beginning but definitely tapers off to a lukewarm second half. The non Mayberry songs are terrible. Less songs more consistency. Reeks of sophomore slump. Produces enough decent songs to ensure a future on the live circuit for the next 20 years, but if they wish to remain relevant, they have to diversify the next time around. It's already becoming stale.…Expand
Good synth pop. I thought the singles were just okay. 'Keep you on my Side' & 'Playing Dead' are my favorite songs. Some filler, and two songsGood synth pop. I thought the singles were just okay. 'Keep you on my Side' & 'Playing Dead' are my favorite songs. Some filler, and two songs with a male singer that were pretty good. I have to check out their first album now.…Expand
Overall, a disappointing record. It's your classic case of sophomore slump. I wonder how much Chvrches' label paid the AV Club to give them aOverall, a disappointing record. It's your classic case of sophomore slump. I wonder how much Chvrches' label paid the AV Club to give them a 100/100? It's clearly a flop in my mind. Subpar production, cringey lyrics and it was horribly mixed.
When I was a little boy, my momma told me to grow up and be a strong tampon boy. Find a qt waifu, she told me. So I found Lauren, but she rejected me with this record, as every lyric she sings is like a knife in the heart of my love.
So, adieu, Chvrches. You hit us with a one hit wonder and it was great for a while. But every tampon boy must grow up one day.…Expand