Every Open Eye is the critically acclaimed second studio album by Scottish synth-pop trio CHVRCHES, released in September 2015. Written, recorded, and produced entirely by band members Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook, and Martin Doherty in their Glasgow studio, the record served as the highly anticipated follow-up to their breakout debut, The Bones of What You Believe. The band intentionally kept their recording process isolated from outside industry pressures, resulting in a streamlined, lean, and punchy collection of electronic pop tracks that debuted at number four on the UK Albums Chart.Thematically and sonically, the album represents a powerful statement of resilience, independence, and perspective, taking its title from a lyric in the standout track "Clearest Blue." Driven by heavy retro-futuristic synthesizers, crisp drum programming, and Mayberry’s soaring, defiant vocals, the music strikes a masterclass balance between dark emotional urgency and infectious dance-floor hooks. Anchored by hit singles like the fierce breakup anthem "Leave a Trace" and the euphoric, slow-building "Clearest Blue," the record solidified CHVRCHES' status as modern pioneers of indie-pop and remains a definitive staple of mid-2010s alternative music.
When Scottish synth-pop trio CHVRCHES burst onto the international stage with their 2013 debut, they set an incredibly high bar for modern electronic pop. Their sophomore effort, Every Open Eye, does not try to reinvent their signature wheel; instead, it polishes it to a razor-sharp, stadium-ready sheen. Self-produced by the band in their native Glasgow, the album strips away any lingering post-debut self-doubt and replaces it with a fierce, unified confidence. The trio intentionally limited their instrument palette to a select few vintage synthesizers—such as the Roland Juno 106 and Moog Voyager—resulting in a sound that feels remarkably lean, incredibly punchy, and completely uncluttered.
The true engine of the album is the compelling contrast between the pristine, pulsing electronic production and Lauren Mayberry’s intensely human vocals. While Iain Cook and Martin Doherty construct massive, retro-futuristic soundscapes, Mayberry delivers emotionally heavy, defiant lyrics with the urgency of a punk or emo frontwoman. The record lunges forward from its very first second with "Never Ending Circles," setting a theme of reclaiming independence, drawing personal boundaries, and stepping out of toxic cycles. Mayberry often acts as judge, jury, and executioner in her songwriting, delivering sharp, articulate closures that feel deeply empowering.
Musically, the first half of the record is an absolute masterclass in radio-friendly synth-pop bangers. "Leave a Trace" stands out as a triumphant, middle-finger breakup anthem that relies on a skittering, infectious rhythm. However, the undeniable crown jewel of the entire album is "Clearest Blue". The track gracefully channels the spirit of early Depeche Mode, slowly building an unbearable amount of tension until it erupts into one of the most euphoric, cathartic dance-floor drops of the 2010s.
As the album progresses into its second half, the frantic dance beats give way to a welcome variety of tones and textures. Martin Doherty takes a successful turn on lead vocals for the groovy, R&B-tinted "High Enough to Carry You Over," offering a refreshing shift in perspective. The anger and defiance return to a boiling point on the fan-favourite "Bury It," before the album reaches a beautifully minimal, atmospheric comedown with the beatless closer "Afterglow". Ultimately, Every Open Eye avoids the sophomore slump by doubling down on excellent songwriting, cementing CHVRCHES' legacy as absolute masters of modern indie-pop.
1. Never Ending Circles
2. Leave A Trace
3. Keep You On My Side
4. Make Them Gold
5. Clearest Blue
6. High Enough To Carry You Over
7. Empty Threat
8. Down Side Of Me
9. Playing Dead
10. Bury It
11. Afterglow
12. Get Away – Originally featured on the BBC Radio 1 Drive rescored soundtrack.
13. Follow You – Standard deluxe studio bonus track.
14. Bow Down – Standard deluxe studio bonus track.
15. Warning Call (Theme From Mirror's Edge Catalyst) – The promotional tie-in song for the Electronic Arts video game.
16. Bury It (feat. Hayley Williams of Paramore) – The popular alternative radio mix.
17. Leave A Trace (Four Tet Remix) – A hypnotic electronic rework by Four Tet.
18. Empty Threat (Big Wild Remix) – An upbeat, atmospheric remix by producer Big Wild.
19. Clearest Blue (Gryffin Remix) – A festival-ready dance remix by Gryffin
Thanks for this. Chvrches is one of those bands that I am familiar with but haven't really listened to. That will change now :-)
ReplyDeleteCheers!
This is a great entry point, enjoy
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