12.16.21 | Bill Graham Civic Auditorium | San Francisco, CA
What else could I say besides wow. On December 16 CHVRCHES took to the Bill Graham stage with an energy that radiated across the entire auditorium. Lauren Mayberry’s vocals sounded incredible live. Not a single falter, even as she twirled and sauntered across the stage.
If you don’t know about CHVRCHES, they should definitely be in your radar. The band is currently on tour in support of their critically acclaimed album Screen Violence. Variety had called this album a “timely mediation on loneliness and fear, thankfully shot through with a hefty dose of the synth-fueled wizardry that’s come to define the best of what the Scottish trio has to offer.” A fun fact about the name of this album is that it was originally going to be the name of the band. Now, a decade later CHVRCHES has revived the term to describe to current reality in which we live in – the struggle of making those you love feel more than just characters on a screen.
Their openers were the perfect choice for the tour. Both having separate elements that when meshed together, encapsulate CHVRCHES vivacity. I personally have never listened to Donna Missal or Wet Leg, but they truly were a treat. Donna Missal had a variety of vibes ranging from a modern-day Enya to a comforting indie rock sound. Her vocal range was impeccable; just as Lauren’s voice stayed strong to the end, Donna Missal was able to belt out hard to hit notes without hesitation.
Wet Leg were if 70s and 90s rock merged. They brought a certain joy to the crowd as their exuberant lyrics bounced around the auditorium. After photographing their set, I stood to the back of the floor to enjoy the rest of it and observe the reactions of the crowd. Everyone was tuned in. I had even heard a few laughs in reaction to some of their lyrics. If they ever come through to the Bay again I will definitely be grabbing a ticket.
CHVRCHES had us waiting in anticipation for their set which was a great move on their end. The crowd leaned in close as a disembodied sound started to play. After a minute, the band began to appear. They kicked off their set almost immediately once Lauren took center stage. The crowd went wild. I went back to my spot in the back and overlooked the crowd. They had made enough space for each other, even in the heart of the pit, to dance around.
If CHVRCHES ever comes to your town, treat yourself and go to their show. Even if you only know a song or two you’ll still be whisked away by their – and their crowd’s – lively spirit. Check out the full gallery below!
