Glaswegian synth pop trio Chvrches opens its debut album with “The Mother We Share,” a song that was released as a single over a year ago. The band built upon its hype by releasing more perfectly executed songs that harnessed the confidence of Lauren Mayberry’s vocals, but never sacrificed impeccable synth lines and danceable beats. Many of these songs are present on “The Bones of What You Believe,” but the non–singles are incredible as well. On songs like “Night Sky” and “Lungs,” lyrics about the bitter after–effects of heartbreak are just as potent as they were on singles like “Recover” and “Gun.” When male band member Martin Doherty takes vocal duties for “Under the Tide,” it allows the album breathing room, and his contemplative turn on album closer “You Caught the Light” is a fitting comedown, giving the album just enough variety but offering the same consistency. Chvrches are certainly not the only synth pop band with an ear for perfect pop melodies, but they are enviable masters of their craft.
Grade: A Download: “Lungs” Sounds best when: You’re a freshman who’s ending a long distance relationship (“Tether” was basically made for you)
