ShareChvrches performing their Screen Violence Tour at Rock City Nottingham on Friday 9th June 2023.
Images and Review by Kevin Cooper
Synth pop band Chvrches had a sell-out crowd at Rock City in the palm of their hands from the word go on Friday night , as they delivered a surround sound experience with sweeping synthesizers, powerhouse drumming, and mighty bursts of shimmering guitar.
Fronted by the very energetic Lauran Mayberry, they opened with He Said She Said from their latest album, Screen Violence, before there was a euphoric transition to the dance synths of 2018 song, Forever.
Other band members, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty are multi talented musicians, as they changed instruments regularly leaving touring drummer Jonny Scott to hold the beats perfectly and to experiment with his sample pods.
But it is Mayberry who commanded the stage with a calm confidence and charisma, drawing the crowd in with her dynamic dance moves, as she effortlessly moved around the stage. With her superb vocals their new songs brought a massive presence to the set, and the crowd were in fine voice enjoying the likes of California, How Not To Drown and the set highlight, Violent Delights.
With the crowd singing along to every word, the older classics such as Science/Visions, Bury It and Miracle all formed their familiar layered wall of sound around the venue. Closing their main set with Night Sky and the new 80’s tech funk influenced Final Girl, they then treated the crowd to a perfect ending with the excellent Recover before Never Say Die saw them abruptly leave the stage.
With a third costume change for Mayberry, the band returned with an amazing version of Asking For A Friend. Covered in ‘blood’ she launched in to their debut single, The Mother We Share, and the venue exploded for arguably one of their best songs. Finishing on a euphoric high with Clearest Blue, Chvrches had sent the crowd into a frenzied dance, making certain that larger venues undoubtedly beckon.