There’s no such thing as the perfect band, apparently. 10/10 is folly, full marks a sham. You don’t get to be flawless, that would be silly.
And then there’s CHVRCHES.
Two (and a bit) albums in, and they’re running the kind of hot streak that should inspire a Zlatan-esque ego. Every lyric, every beat placed perfectly, both live and on record. Their morals pure, their intentions clear. And yet still, there’s no suggestion the Glaswegian trio believe their own hype. Perfection is almost an undersell.
There’s no doubt, while Disclosure and Foals may sit above them, give it time and CHVRCHES will be topping bills like this. ‘Empty Threat’ is anything but, ‘Gun’ a vital gauntlet dropped. ‘Under The Tide’ is a change of pace, a dropped shoulder into something deeper, ‘Bury It’ a scattergun of sheer joy. Bands like this shouldn’t work on the Reading Main Stage. CHVRCHES own it completely. Follow that.