CHVRCHES return with “Roses,” their first new song in three years

CHVRCHES have released “Roses,” their first new music in three years, along with a music video. The Scottish trio of Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty lean into a heavier, rock-tinged sound, according to Consequence, with synths playing more of an atmospheric role.

Lyrically, the song takes aim at the darker undercurrents of contemporary Britain, and its chorus interpolates the English folk song “Ring a Ring o’ Roses.” Rolling Stone reports that a press release calls it “a mission statement” for the band’s sonic shift.

Mayberry said this was the longest break the band had taken between albums. Their last record, “Screen Violence,” came out in 2021. CHVRCHES will play ticketed shows in Glasgow on October 26 and London on October 29, with proceeds going to charity, and appear at Mexico City’s Corona Capital in November.