Live Review: Chvrches, Elizabeth Rose

Sydneysider Elizabeth Rose sets the night, and hips, in motion. Her R&B infused electro is as infectious and alluring as her delicate dancing, a perfect precursor to Chvrches. The Glasgow trio are here as a part of the Laneway Festival tour. The intricate Forum Theatre is a perfect contrast of old against the new of one of 2013's biggest buzz bands. It's not all smooth sailing early on. There's a false start. Lauren Mayberry is having clear problems with her earpiece. All is forgivable as Iain Cook and Martin Doherty drive the show with unerring energy, letting the strength of their song writing drag them through a few minor wobbles.

Mayberry's early hesitance gives way on Gun, her presence now matching her impressive voice. Night Sky has the Glaswegians in full force, striking the balance between their dance demons and pop power. This is what made Chvrches a breakout act last year. Each thudding bass line and synth stab takes the packed venue deeper into club territory. The careful design of their light show crashes dramatically against Cook and Doherty's Energizer Bunny dancing. The tribal thump of Science/Visions bleeds into the clap-happy Recover, drawing the biggest cheer of the night.
The crowd are putty in Mayberry's hands as she indulges in banter about Melbourne weather, sweaty knees, Susan Kennedy and Neighbours. Her honorary Australian passport should come in the mail any day now.

Tether lets Mayberry shine brightest. Bathed in blue light her voice is flawless as she croons, “I'm feeling capable of seeing the end/I'm feeling capable of saying it's over”. Doherty jumps out from behind his synths, taking the limelight on Under The Tide. His skittish movement catches the feverish energy of the pulsing lights and foundation-rattling bass.
As quickly as they came, it's time for Chvrches to go as they tell the crowd, “We're almost out of songs.” It's easy to forget this is a band riding the wave of a blistering debut album when their songwriting and stage show is so far developed. The Mother We Share does its best impression of a closer before the inevitable encore. The glowing orange lights used for By The Throat are only matched in warmth by the fuzzy, loving adoration of the crowd. This twee trio has already left quite the mark on Australian hearts.