Live Review: CHVRCHES @ The Hydro, Glasgow - 02/04/2016
“Where is the show?”
“The Hydro.”
“Really? I thought it was the ABC.”
This short conversation on the afternoon of CHVRCHES’ phenomenal(ly large, at least) hometown show is enough to characterise their equally phenomenal ascent to super stardom. Performing at Glasgow’s largest venue for their first show in the city in almost 17 months, the 13,000 capacity arena eagerly awaited the return of the world-conquering synth-pop trio. Following two records, The Bones Of What You Believe and Every Open Eye, and extensive touring, the show served as an entirely appropriate beacon of the band’s achievements thus far, as an adoring plethora of fans revelled in a song for every month of absence. Enthralling analysis of the popularity trajectory aside, how was the show for a long-time supporter of the excellent outfit?
Slightly disappointing is the short answer. Despite the new material, and scaled up production, the CHVRCHES live show has not evolved a great deal since their shows (actually) in the ABC in October 2013. It still consists of the same songs played in the same way, with some pretty lights, strung together with some endearing stage conversation from (main) vocalist Lauren Mayberry. Whilst this formula is by no means a losing combination, it does prove a little boring on the fourth and fifth time of asking; paired with a lack of exploitation of the technical possibilities posed by such a large venue, it feels like an opportunity to present something truly memorable has been missed. Additionally, whilst Mayberry’s vocal provides a creative focal point for the band’s sound, when amplified to arena venue level, both its appeal and fragility are increased, resulting in an overall lack of impact upon delivery.
Despite these criticisms however, the band executed what could be considered a textbook jubilant homecoming show (minus confetti cannons), and the apparent simplicity of the arrangements could easily be attributed to the band’s minimalist aesthetic or ethos. Performing a set balanced between new material and old, the cardinal sin of CHVRCHES crowds was unfortunately once again committed by a significant portion of the crowd: a pitiful lack of dancing. From the exciting melodies of ‘We Sink’ and ‘Make Them Gold’, no hips shaking. The explosive finale of classic track ‘Tether’, minimal movement. It transpired that the entire crowd was conserving their energy for the “end” of the set in ‘Clearest Blue’, the enthralling new single, which inspired a considerable amount of body movement. A brief time off stage was followed by an emotive rendition of second album closer ‘Afterglow’ to rest the crowd following the preluding excitement. An acapella tease of the inevitable final track ‘The Mother We Share’ by Mayberry helped stir the crowd into a celebratory raucous as the trio closed off their biggest show to date in a flurry of vocal samples and synth melodies.
In short, CHVRCHES’ brand of relevant synth-pop has secured them considerable recognition and popularity, particular in their loving hometown (and country more generally). Despite a partially formulaic live show, the band’s genuine and honest approach ramps up the appeal and relatability, fuelling the hype train further on its journey into the stratosphere. Even shorter, CHVRCHES are fantastically fantastic.
Plz follow my *new* blog, where reviews and all sorts of ramblings will be situated.
