The Love is Dead tour, headlined by CHVRCHES and named after their latest album, stopped by downtown Phoenix’s The Van Buren on Monday night as the self-proclaimed “woodland creatures” head away from California and out of the desert.
The three-piece, hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, brought LA new wave group Cherry Glazerr along for the ride, and frontwoman Clementine Creevy’s breathy, dreamy vocals floated over the grunge rock of her bandmates, bassist Devin O’Brien and drummer Tabor Allen.
It’s already been a big year for CHVRCHES, with vocalist Lauren Mayberry giving the music keynote speech at SXSW and back-to-back appearances at Coachella. The festival was just the latest live show in a rigorous touring schedule since “The Mother We Share” was released in 2012, so it’s no surprise they’re taking it slower than in the past.
Still, though, Mayberry is a shining beacon of light, our very own fairy punk princess, and Ian Cook and Martin Doherty make every synth shimmer. Doherty’s dance moves are still killer. In a lot of ways, the band has shown they’re more comfortable on stage and have the confidence of a group that can—and do—sell out venues that fit thousands.
Atlas was part of the action. In case you missed it, check out the gallery below!
Story and photos by Taylor Gilliam