CHVRCHES

CHVRCHES is a Scottish synth-pop band from Glasgow, formed in 2011 by Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook, and Martin Doherty. The name is stylized with a V to evoke the group's electronic-influenced aesthetic. The trio's music blends bright synthesizers, programmable drum machines, and pop-oriented songcraft, anchored by Mayberry's clear, emotive vocals.

They released their debut album The Bones of What You Believe in 2013, which yielded international attention and several charting singles, including The Mother We Share. The album received critical praise for its hooky melodies and production.

Their second album Every Open Eye arrived in 2015, expanding their sound with darker textures and anthemic choruses; it performed well on charts in the UK and abroad and cemented their status in indie and alternative pop. In 2018 they released Love Is Dead, a more expansive synth-pop effort that incorporated collaborations and a broader sonic palette; it also charted internationally. In 2021 they released Screen Violence, which explored themes of online harassment and personal safety amid the pandemic; the album received favorable reviews for its mood and songwriting.

CHVRCHES have performed at major festivals and toured extensively, including appearances at Glastonbury and Coachella; their work has featured in TV shows and films, contributing to their mainstream recognition. They are known for Mayberry's outspoken stances on gender equality and online abuse, and for maintaining creative control over their music.

As one of the most prominent Scottish acts of the 2010s and early 2020s, CHVRCHES has influenced the synth-pop landscape with their blend of retro-inspired electronics and contemporary pop sensibilities.