Words: Ryan Getz

The general consensus thus far has been that CHVRCHES’ much anticipated follow up to The Bones of What You Believe is more of the same, but done very well.

Tuned Up is here to concur. Sort of.

I don’t think you arrived at this review just to read that we agree with the critics more well esteemed than Tuned Up. So I’ll tell you how this review is different. Every Open Eye is, well, an eye opener to what this band is really capable of.

Every Open Eye is The Bones of What You Believe cranked up to 11. It’s like album one was the chance for the band to find themselves and work out the kinks in their sound. Relentless touring and chances for the chemistry between Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook, and Martin Doherty to develop into something really cohesive. The song “Make Them Gold” might as well be a mantra for the band on this record; “We’ll take the best parts of ourselves, and make them gold.” Indeed.

What I’m struck by is just how full every song is. “Clearest Blue” lives up to it’s name with clear, crisp production accenting an upbeat chorus. “Empty Threat” is a triumphant anthem with a chorus so huge that if your mood isn’t brightened I might question if you have a soul…

An interesting anecdote to this record is something I found on Setlist.FM. While looking for setlists of the band’s new tour, I noticed some subtexts that mention Lauren playing drums. While I think of CHVRCHES as a strictly electronic band, I would be curious to see live drums mesh with their production. “Playing Dead” is a song I could see this working on. The vibe on this song is very 80s – almost New Order-ish.

The only thing about Every Open Eye that could be perceived as a negative is that it is so chock full of anthems that it could get old after a while. Not every anthem is going to have the same impact, so it seems silly to say that a song is better. The songs on Every Open Eye for the most part all accomplish one objective very well. People’s favorites will inevitably vary. “Afterglow” provides a break from the anthems at just the right time in the record, actually. The band will have to take heed to how they structure their set – tell a story, keep the audience hanging on every note.

I think Every Open Eye is the follow up that people were looking for. Congrats, CHVRCHES.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpFXXPruuqU[/youtube]

Score: 4.9/5

CHVRCHES: iTunes