Chvrches at the Forum

Chvrches played an energetic live set at Kentish Town’s Forum last night. The sold-out show was the band’s biggest headline gig to date, and the first of two nights at The Forum.

An electro-pop band from Glasgow, Chvrches feature lead vocals from Lauren Mayberry, and synthesizers from Iain Cook and Martin Doherty. The scene is quite static: Mayberry stands solid in the middle of the stage, at the microphone, and never strays too far from it, while the two synth players play from behind a desk at either side of her. The set is quite jam-packed, featuring almost all the songs off their debut album The Bones of What You Believe, and the band shift between songs with just a moment’s rest.

Tonight seemed to be ideal for anyone getting ready for a big night out. The music, which is not quite rave, was played to a sequence of flashing lights and blaring colours, while the band was shrouded in darkness. It worked well for a standing venue on a Friday, which turned into more club night than gig night. The songs also started to blend into each other, and it was difficult to differentiate one from another, unless substantially different.

Casual fans were impressed quickly, as Chvrches played most of their debut’s biggest hits before the encore. The Mother We Share was of course the highlight of the night, with almost everyone in the packed-out venue dancing and cheering throughout. Tether was also another hit, which got to show off Mayberry’s softer vocals. Her vocals are very impressive, when you consider how the lyrics of each song feel like they are full to bursting. There were no tricks and she really can carry it off with very little break in between.

Science/Visions was a notable song. When played live, it felt like a 80s soundtrack to a horror movie. It started off slow with a very soft singing, and then switched between plunging dramatic synth, backed by a low male voice, and heavy drum pads, which ended up giving off a mysterious and creepy effect. It was a great change of pace from what had been mostly amicable electro-pop.

Overall, it was not only a good concert but also a fun night out, full of energy, and left you feeling ready to take on the night.

 Bryonie Carolan

For information and future events visit Chvrches’ website here.

Watch the video for The Mother We Share here: