CHVRCHES: SXSW 2016

Scottish synthpop trio CHVRCHES was part of the diverse, international lineup of this year's SXSW Radio Day Stage, powered by VuHaus, on Friday, March 18, broadcasting live from Austin, Texas, on WFUV 90.7FM with a video simulcast on VuHaus.

Last year, Glasgow's CHVRCHES released its second album, Every Open Eye, a strong followup to their dazzling, 2013 breakthrough debut, The Bones of What You Believe. The speedy ascent of Lauren Mayberry, Martin Doherty and Iain Cook, not only in the Britain, but Stateside and beyond, has rendered them a global pop force (and a sociopolitical one too, given Mayberry's refreshing outspokenness on feminism, gender disparity, and cyber-bullying).

On Every Open Eye, Mayberry's reedy, sweet vocals wind powerfully and plaintively around dance gems like the airy "Clearest Blue" and the elastic "Leave a Trace." Defiance, regret, and longing loop through CHVRCHES' bold and breathless songs; the trio revels in smart club anthems that also serve as introspective journeys of the heart and mind.

A "day stage" meant a very different atmosphere for their songs, but a stripped-down arrangement and the trio's good humor made even the most pensive songs completely engaging. Hear CHVRCHES' full SXSW Radio Day Stage performance below and watch video.

Setlist

• Never Ending Circles
• Recover
• Afterglow
• The Mother We Share
• Leave A Trace