Chvrches make Alexandra Palace their own
Published
Over the course of 2015, Chvrches have banished the spectre of the ‘difficult second album’, embraced audiences from across the musical spectrum and re-established themselves as a truly independent creative force. But making the cavernous confines of Alexandra Palace their own is a whole new challenge. Tonight, they take the stage for their biggest UK show to date.
Following an enjoyable, if tepidly received set from Four Tet, Ally Pally’s live room is packed with expectant faces. But from the moment the house lights go down, it’s clear that Chvrches are equal to the occasion. Backed by an array of screens and a monster lighting rig, the Glasgow trio look right at home: exploding out with the synthpop perfection of ‘Never Ending Circles’. This is the culmination of a long album tour, and it shows. Whether tearing across the stage, belting out a euphoric ‘Make Them Gold’ or chatting about Netflix and journalistic ethics (they’re not breaking up, despite what you may have read), Lauren Mayberry is an electrifying focal point, while Iain Cook and Martin Doherty whirl and contort behind their electronic platforms.
Though they’re a Very Big Deal these days, there’s a refreshing lack of artifice to the whole thing. The spontaneity and anxious energy of their early performances remains intact, as they blend older songs like ‘Lies’, ‘Gun’ and ‘Recover’ with more vibrant ‘Open Every Eye’ material. If anything, the recent tracks receive a stronger reception: ‘Empty Threat’ kicking off a mass sing-a-long, and a climatic ‘Clearest Blue’ getting the whole crowd moving. Lauren contributes live drums at a few points, while Martin takes centre stage to sing ‘Under The Tide’. There’s no sense of going through the motions, and it’s obvious just how much tonight means to the band.
The encore is well pitched, too; seguing from the brittle poignancy of ‘Afterglow’ into a finale of ‘The Mother We Share’. It’s a real moment. Not only have Chvrches upped their game this year, but they’ve done it without sacrificing the spirit and craft that made them so intriguing in the first place. Where they go next is entirely up to them – and that couldn’t be a more exciting prospect.
COMMENTS
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Wish I'd been there!
