CHVRCHES at the O2 Apollo, Manchester

By Anya Baxter.

Scottish synthpop trio CHVRCHES, originally from Glasgow, took to the Apollo stage on Saturday night, ready to stun an anxiously waiting crowd.

Photo by Anya Baxter

Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty formed CHVRCHES in 2011, releasing their debut album "The Bones of What You Believe" in 2013, to great success. Following this came 2015's "Every Open Eye", and then the group took a darker turn with "Love Is Dead" (2018). In August 2021, CHVRCHES returned with their darkest and most striking album yet, featuring a collaboration with Robert Smith of The Cure.

Photo by Anya Baxter

Starting off the set with "Screen Violence" single "He Said She Said", Mayberry's vocal ability became apparent immediately, her range gliding flawlessly as Cook, Doherty and touring drummer Jonny Scott set up the song. Moving into "Forever" and "Leave A Trace", Mayberry twirled across the stage in a glittering red dress, her performance outfits having become a point of discussion for CHVRCHES fans.

Photo by Anya Baxter

A screen at the rear of the stage displayed imagery such as television static and lightning bolts as the band played "Violent Delights" from the latest album, and the powerful "Science/Visions" from the very first. The audience were clearly committed and dedicated as they sang along to each song with equal conviction.

Photo by Anya Baxter

Ready for the song "Final Girl" from "Screen Violence", Mayberry changed into a white t-shirt featuring the song title, and had doused herself in blood. This "Carrie" inspired moment has become a staple for CHVRCHES shows, and was an occurrence we were looking forward to witnessing. Several members of the audience had followed in Mayberry's footsteps, dancing in blood as the band performed "Recover" and "Never Say Die".

Photo by Anya Baxter

A three-song encore saw the songs "Asking For A Friend", "The Mother We Share" and "Clearest Blue" close out the night to cheering and dancing as the bands talent with synthesisers and dance music shone through.