Album reviews: Chvrches’ ‘The Bones of What You Believe’ album

In an autumn filled with female-fronted electropop releases both big (Katy Perry, Lady Gaga) and smaller (Icona Pop), the debut from Scottish trio Chvrches might get lost. It shouldn’t be. “The Bones of What You Believe” is an assured and sober album of synthetic pop that’s set apart from their peers’ four-four barrage. But it’s still rousing, arena-ready fun.

PHOTOS: Iconic rock guitars and their owners

Singer Lauren Mayberry is an obvious draw — her light burr, endearing profanities and ear for room-shaking melodies make this the rare electro record that could sound just as good played on a lone piano. But producers Iain Cook and Martin Doherty have found prime sonic terrain somewhere amid the cosmic crush of M83, the limber bounce of former tour mates Depeche Mode and the skittery drum machines of peers like Purity Ring.

Early blog-bait singles like “The Mother We Share” and “Recover” sound even better with the album’s big-budget spit shine; “Gun” and “Lies” will probably join their ranks. As the air turns cooler and the skies go grayer, the rave kids are going to need a comedown, and the rest of us need some immersive, sad-eyed headphone jams. This record should do the trick for everyone.

-------------------

Chvrches

“The Bones of What You Believe”

Glassnote

3 stars

Albums are rated on a scale of four stars (excellent), three stars (good), two stars (fair) and one star (poor).