Love Is Dead

CHVRCHES made their first two albums in their hometown of Glasgow, but in 2015 they relocated to New York and recorded <i>Love Is Dead</i> in L.A. Inspired by America's murky political landscape, the band offset their euphoric synth-pop with melancholy lyrics. Yet despite its reflective mood, this album delivers more bold arena-ready tracks than ever. Singer Lauren Mayberry breaks free from the cloaked metaphors of their second LP, <i>Every Open Eye</i>, and speaks directly about sexism, politics and heartbreak throughout, with “Graves” defiantly lending a voice to Syrian refugees and the cinematic “Really Gone” contemplating belonging. She bemoans blind love on “My Enemy”, a brooding duet with The National’s Matt Berninger.