#17 on the 2021 Bacon Top 31 — Chvrches
Screen Violence by Chvrches
It’s funny when I’m surprised at how low an album appears on the Bacon Top 31. When I go through my first few listens of any new album, no matter what time of year, I start to compare its appeal to the other albums I’ve heard so far that year. A.B.C. stands for Always Be Charting, right? And when I first heard the fourth album from the phenomenal Scottish band Chvrches, I immediately thought Top 5.
The first three albums from the band have all landed in the Top 5 of the Bacon Top 31. The Bones of What You Believe, their debut, was the highest debut from any band, coming in at #4 in 2013. Their sophomore album, Every Open Eye, was my absolute favorite album of 2015. And in 2018, their third album, Love is Dead, came in a close #2, barely missing another chart topper. So of course their new album would be in contention again this year, right?
#17 isn’t a bad spot to be in at all. This doesn’t mean Screen Violence is any worse than the band’s previous three albums. Rather, it speaks to the quality of the music overall that came out in 2021. Seriously, I think 2020 forced a lot of artists to focus on songwriting, because they weren’t able to tour. Consequently, 2021 was one of the best years for music. Period.
At its core, Screen Violence is a concept album, centered around horror films. Sleep paralysis, drowning, gutting, and a song titled “Final Girl” – think Neve Campbell or Jamie Lee Curtis, the last remaining person around to battle the serial killer. It’s good fodder for lyrical turns in the music, giving the band’s usual treacle a bit more edge. The king of the goths, Robert Smith, even makes an appearance. Check out his duet with Lauren Mayberry in the video for “How Not to Drown” above.
The trio is in top form. Sure, they didn’t make the Top 5 for a FOURTH time. But don’t let that stop you. If you’ve liked Chvrches at any point in their past, you’re going to like this album.
__________________________________________
18. Blue Weekend by Wolf Alice
19. Mainly Gestalt Pornography by Pearly Gate Music
20. Peace Or Love by Kings of Convenience
21. These 13 by Jimbo Mathus & Andrew Bird
22. Mr. Corman: Season 1 by Nathan Johnson
23. Home Video by Lucy Dacus
24. I’ll Be Your Mirror: A Tribute to The Velvet Underground & Nico by Various Artists
25. Siamese Dream by Fruit Bats
26. NINE by Sault
27. Observatory by Aeon Station
28. The Monster Who Hated Pennsylvania by Damien Jurado
29. A Beginner’s Mind by Sufjan Stevens and Angelo De Augustine
30. Where the End Begins by Knathan Ryan
31. Private Space by Durand Jones & The Indications
There are many ways to listen to the 2021 Bacon Top 31. Subscribe now and enjoy the new albums / songs as the countdown is completed!
Full Album
All albums in their entirety.
Radio Station
A single song selection pulled from each album.