13. Every Open Eye / Chvrches

Every Open Eye is a vibrant follow-up to the Scottish band's impressive electro-pop debut.  With only keyboards, electronic drums, and the occasional bass line, it is impressive to sound even bigger on the sophomore effort.  The trio's cold bursts of brooding synth-rock are as brisk as the clearest winter sunrise.  But there is something hopeful in the music, too, an understanding that the sun will warm things up eventually.

Make no mistake, this is Lauren Mayberry's show, her pixie beauty and lilting voice carrying Chvrches into the mainstream.  Her increased confidence is on full display during the band's kinetic live show: she moves, marches, waves, and sings with the authority of a woman who will not back down.  Though small in stature, her vulnerability is a strength as she winds her way through the song's break-ups, make-ups, and wise-ups.  After gracefully dealing with the worst of social media trolls since her rise to fame, she has positioned herself as a thoughtful voice on women's issues.

Chvrches accessible sound appeals to many audiences, which explains the band's meteoric rise from the blogosphere.  It speaks to 80s synth pioneers, EDM fans, club hoppers, and young women looking for something just a little more alternative than Taylor Swift.  It also speaks to listeners who enjoy a catchy pop hook and a beautiful voice, which should be just about everyone.