Pop Break Live: CHVRCHES ‘Screen Violence’ North American Tour 2021 with Donna Missal at The Franklin Music Hall in Philadelphia, PA
Scottish Pop Trio CHVRCHES played Franklin Music Hall in Philadelphia on Friday December 3. The band is touring in support of their excellent new album, Screen Violence, released on August 27th. It’s basically a horror-movie concept album and it’s received some really great reviews.
When the lights went down the LCD screen was lit up with simulated static as the band members came out individually. As soon as the opening chords to “He Said, She Said” came on, lead singer Lauren Mayberry literally twirled across the entire length of the stage then went to her mic (a move that you’d see throughout the night). The song has a gaslighting theme with lyrics like “I feel like I’m losing my mind” and “he said it’s all in your head.” It’s one of the best songs off their newest release. The energy was incredible on the next song “Forever” as Mayberry high kicked, danced and even simulated a Pete Townshend windmill move at the end of a blistering guitar solo by lain Cook. The band was in top form the entire night!
The venue was packed all the way back to the entrance. The hyped up crowd looked like they were having the time of their lives. There was lots of singing and dancing during the bands entire set. The bands banter with the crowd was fun. They said they loved Philly and mentioned a funny story about the time they played 104.5’s Summer Block Party at The Piazza in 2014 and things got a little crazy. The radio station was banned for future shows. Mayberry laughed and said this little Scottish band got some notoriety from this.
Some highlights of the night came from their new album with the catchy song “California” and especially on “How Not to Drown” (a must hear duet on the album) with the Cure’s Robert Smith. One of the crowd favorites seemed to be a killer version of their techno song “Science/Visions” off their debut album. They encored with “Asking for Friend”, “The Mother We Share” and “Clearest Blue.” It was a great night of music in Philly. The band still lives up to their reputation as one of the best live bands around!
Props to the crowd as Mayberry stated she had never seen that many masks at any gig before. Way to go Philly!
