7/10

In 2015, shortly after the release of their second studio album 'Every Open Eye', Scottish trio Chvrches relocated themselves to New York City and as a result chose to record this new release in Los Angeles. But after a number of years immersed in the American way of life, the group have found themselves experiencing a whole new world of both politics and attitudes towards others. This has led to a political charged third album that aims to see them grow as both musicians and individuals.

Sonically, 'Love Is Dead' seems like more of the same from the outfit. The super-slick production of electro-pop has been a hallmark of theirs from the very start and continues even stronger on this new full-length. Yet while keeping to their core sound is commendable at this point in their career, their topics of lyrics, which range from the refugee crisis to broken relationships, sometimes play as a juxtaposition to the musical tone of this new material.

Overall, 'Love Is Dead' feels very much like a serious record wrapped in the tone of an uplifting pop release. There are the odd moments where we see them get a little brooding, like on the Depeche Mode-inspired 'God's Plan', but just manages to fall a little short of the quality we know they are capable of.