More about: Chvrches

Just a few short months ago, we named the debut from three fresh-faced young Scots, The Bones Of What You Believe, our No.1 album of 2013 - beating the likes of Daft Punk, David Bowie, Arctic Monkeys and Nick Cave with their immaculate LP. An impressive feat for anyone, let alone a 'new band'. 

Hailed in the longlist of the BBC's Sound of 2013, for us, they certainly were. However the highly-evolved Chvrches that dominate the stage at London's legendary Forum are so much more than that. 

As frontwoman Lauren Mayberry strikes a silhouetted pose with fist-aloft in front their logo-emblazoned light show, she seems less the nervous newcomer that first came to our attention way back when, and more like an icon in the making. Flanked by Martin Doherty and Iain Cook, Chvrches play with the conviction of a band twice their age. 

It's impossible for Chvrches to fall flat this evening. With just one impeccable debut's worth of material, there's no room for failure - and the crowd remain enraptured throughout. Despite their humble on-stage personas, Chvrches have a stage show and live sound worthy of arenas, nodding to a deservedly epic future laying ahead for the band.  

Speaking of their existing catalogue and their future, another striking element of Chvrches' sound is its variety and the sheer number of avenues they could take from here. There's the 100mph bubbling synth anthemics of opener 'We Sink', the jerking darkness of 'Lies', the shameless pop of 'Gun', the Reznor-esque electro of 'Lungs' and the shimmering post-rock of 'You Caught The Light'.

Rounding off the first set with the utter perfection of 'The Mother We Share', Chvrches prove themselves as more than just a thoroughly ace band - they're real contenders.

Returning for a short but oh so sweet encore, the threesome avoid outing any of their acclaimed covers but end on two more esoteric but no less ecstatic numbers. They literally can't give any more, and therein lies our only criticism: while Chvrches fully deserve to headline a venue of this size, we long for the day when they have a catalogue that fulfils their potential furthermore. 

Chvrches have come a long bloody way, and have much, much further to go. They can't be Britain's best new band forever, so be pretty damn sure that they're about to become one of our biggest. We have seen the future, and it is Chvrches. 

Chvrches played:
We Sink
Lies
Lungs
Gun
Night Sky
Strong Hand
Science/Visions
Recover
Tether
Under the Tide
The Mother We Share
Encore:
You Caught the Light
By the Throat

More about: Chvrches