Review: CHVRCHES – Recover EP

This album review was written by DB, the host of Party at Gatsby's airing Tuesdays 6:00-8:00am. For more from DB visit http://lepartyatgatsbys.tumblr.com.

CHVRCHES – Recover EP

By Katrina Yentch

Formed in Scotland, CHVRCHES is a new electronic group that has recently released an EP for the States. Recover EP (3/26 on Glassnote Records) features three tracks and an added remix of the single Recover. “Recover” is a pleasant way to start the album. Lead singer Lauren Mayberry takes over the vocals of this track, creating essences of pop intertwined with the overall electric feel that the EP brings. “If I recover, will you be my cover?” Mayberry begs, as the song progresses from a singular beat to multiple orchestral tones that are generally pleasing to listen to. It’s a strong start that leads way to the following track, “ZVVL,” which appears to take a bit more of a slower pace, with vocal help by synthesizer Ian Cook. However, the song seems to build, gathering intensity as Mayberry joins him in their chanting of the chorus. Is there a chorus in this song though? Probably not; I’d say that it’s replaced with a repetitive instrumental breakdown. Overall, nothing too memorable. The last track, “Now Is the Time,” is a surprisingly “ending-sounding” end to the EP. Reminiscent of 80’s electronic music, Mayberry croons as Cook chimes in during the choruses. Again, it is generally pleasant to listen to. It certainly meshes well with the lyrics that the group is trying to convey. A message to act now and think later, the instrumentals allow this to be delivered with spirit. For some odd reason, the song and its lyrics remind me of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.” (However, Recover doesn’t end here. The trio tosses in a remix of their single mixed by Cid Rim. The remix reminds me of something that would be a part of a soundtrack to an old school videogame. It seems to reversibly slow the pace of the song, till an instrumental breakdown of drums reclaims the upbeat attitude that the song carries. It’s an interesting take on the song, but definitely makes it more electronic and less pop. The EP is overall an interesting start to CHVRCHES’ recognition in the U.S. If the whole album is to sound like the EP, though, I suggest tossing it aside with the other electronic artists that are playing with synthesizers. The tracks are agreeable and easy to listen to, but it does not seem like something that would be worth keeping on repeat in the car. Regardless, you can listen to the EP for free via Pitchfork at (http://pitchfork.com/advance/51-recover-ep/). If anything, I would make “Now Is The Time” a good “go to” song to add to a “feel good” playlist.

6 ½ out of 10      (or?)       3 out of 5