Screen Violence

Pitchfork 7.2/10 On its fourth album, the Scottish trio steps back from the grandest pop aspirations and embraces a horror-movie concept without losing its signature brightness and sense of joy.

A.V. Club B It may not be their best, but it’s their best right now—and it crackles with the energy of a group that’s figured out how to block out the noise and deliver superbly crafted pop music, the kind some idealistic kids would’ve wanted to hear in a Scottish basement over a decade ago.

The Needle Drop 6/10 Screen Violence is a bit of a creative bounce-back for the trio.

The Line of Best Fit 7/10 This band still has a lot to say. Their Solar Power might follow later, but this is not its time. Let's enjoy the beautiful and fragile vulnerability Chvrches are so good at.

NME 4/5 The Glasgow-formed trio might have used the dark side of technology to build the foundations of this record but, rather than crafting handwringing lectures on the dangers of online life, they shape songs that are like mini horror vignettes – rich with storytelling and a side of social commentary.

Evening Standard 4/5 For anyone who isn’t in the mood for escapism, here’s a great way to wallow in the bad stuff.

Rolling Stone 3.5/5 Screen Violence represents an enhanced version of Chvrches and although it might not be the most radical evolution, the album marks an intriguing step forward nonetheless.

Dork 4/5 From the fist in the air of ‘Good Girls’ to ‘Final Girl’, and its strength to push through self-doubt to reach the end credits, ‘Screen Violence’ is a record that understands the lows to appreciate the highs. Just like the band that made it, it’s that ability to last the distance that counts in the end.

DIY 5/5 Screen Violence marries visceral anger and empowerment. The result is their most euphoric rallying cry to date.

The Independent 4/5 “Are the screens evil, or are we?” Chvrches wondered in a recent interview. It’s a question at the heart of Screen Violence and one the band try to answer via a heady gothic disco. It's their best album to date.

The Forty Five 3.5/5 If the good news is that Chvrches have returned to the sound of their successful early records, the bad news is that they don’t reach quite the same heights, or strike new ground.

All Music 4.5/5 Not only is Screen Violence Chvrches’ finest work since The Bones of What You Believe, it’s also their most purposeful. It feels like they took stock of who they want to be and what they want to say, and these epic songs about letting go but holding onto the ability to feel make for a stunning creative rebirth.

The Skinny 4/5 Despite the daring newness, Screen Violence still feels unmistakably CHVRCHES, and one of their strongest records at that.

Gigwise 9/10 This is without a doubt their most intriguing record since their 2013 debut.

Clash 8/10 Their newest offering channels years of anguish into a single four-sided album sleeve, resulting in an uncompromising barrage of lyrical rawness and integrity.

Mojo 3/5 Fourth time around, they celebrate their decade together by setting Lauren Mayberry’s vocals — part Elizabeth Fraser, part Sugarcubes-era Bjork – against cascading banks of synthesizers ... it's a perfect retro storm.

The Observer 4/5 The Glaswegian trio use horror film tropes to explore fame, double standards and battles closer to home on their intense fourth album.

Loud and Quiet 7/10 Whilst never quite hitting the heights of those massive early singles, Screen Violence is the sound of Chvrches back on track.

Slant 3.5/5 Four albums in, Chvrches have honed their pop craft and, by extension, their ability to transform hopelessness into inspiration.

Pop Matters 8/10 Creating warm, emotional synthpop is Chvrches’ forte, and Screen Violence is the kind of bruised pop record that can only be made after a year of so much loss.

Spectrum Culture 75% The trio may no longer sound as cutting edge as they did on their debut, but they’re certainly not going gently into the dark of their mid-career.

Beats Per Minute 61% It’s a considerable improvement over the absolute mess that was Love is Dead, at the very least, but they’ve taken a step a bit too far into their past to bounce back fully.

The Irish Times 3/5 A vast improvement on the over-zealous Love Is Dead, Screen Violence has some great moments, but still lacks the punch that made those early Chvrches records sing.

Uncut 8/10 Screen Violence is a punchy and determined effort, full of big hooks and awash with glittering synth textures.