On Thursday 31 March, electropop trio Chvrches thrilled a sold-out Hall of fans as part of the Albert Sessions.

Chvrches, Royal Albert Hall 31 March 2016 (c) Christie Goodwin

Whirling onto the stage with their opening track Never Ending Circles, the band wowed the audience with songs from their debut album The Bones of What You Believe, and their acclaimed follow-up Every Open Eye.

Over two hours the trio filled the 5,000+ arena with throbbing synths and driving electro-beats, punctuated by singer Lauren’s luminous tone, in a set that was visually as exciting as it sounded.

Chvrches, Royal Albert Hall 31 March 2016 (c) Christie Goodwin
Chvrches, Royal Albert Hall 31 March 2016 (c) Christie Goodwin
PIC*(Chvrches, Royal Albert Hall 31 March 2016 (c) Christie Goodwin

Formed in 2011, Martin Doherty, Iain Cook and enigmatic front-woman Lauren Mayberry’s self-produced synthpop sound has been making waves on the international music scene.

Since Chvrches was placed fifth in the BBC Sound of 2013 list of the most promising new music talent they have only gone from strength to strength, and their Royal Albert Hall gig, just three years later, proved why they are one of the most exciting acts on the circuit.

Chvrches, Royal Albert Hall 31 March 2016 (c) Christie Goodwin

From the off, Chvrches’ hit-filled synth-pop set had the crowd on their feet, bouncing and dancing to singles including Gun, We Sink, Tether, Clearest Blue and Empty Threat.

Chvrches, Royal Albert Hall 31 March 2016 (c) Christie Goodwin
PIC*(Chvrches, Royal Albert Hall 31 March 2016 (c) Christie Goodwin
Chvrches, Royal Albert Hall 31 March 2016 (c) Christie Goodwin

Cheered back for an encore, Afterglow hushed the enthusiastic audience…

…before the energy was raised once more for The Mother We Share – the sucker-punch debut release which shot the band into the public eye in 2012.

Supporting Chvrches with her hypnotic set of trancy pop was emerging West-London singer-songwriter Shura who rose to prominence earlier this year, longlisted for the BBC Sound of 2016.

Chvrches, Royal Albert Hall 31 March 2016 (c) Christie Goodwin
Chvrches, Royal Albert Hall 31 March 2016 (c) Christie Goodwin

All photographs © Christie Goodwin

The Albert Sessions enable artists who have not previously headlined at the Royal Albert Hall to offer cut-price tickets to fans, and engage with the Hall’s Education & Outreach programme by offering a bespoke educational opportunity for young people.

For news on forthcoming Albert Sessions gigs and workshops, keep an eye on our series page.