Chvrches, the infectious Scottish synth pop duo, had it harder than you’d think this year. Tracks like “Recover,” “The Mother We Share,” and “Gun” were a fierce combination of “Heartbeats”-era Knife romanticism and M83’s neon majesty with a heavenly force that is Lauren Mayberry’s voice. But let’s be honest — three great singles? Trendy influences? A promising EP? — all ingredients for countless buzz bands that quickly burn out. So it is a massive relief to find that Chvrches’ debut album is a stunner overloaded with hooks at no loss of emotional resonance, with songs that rival and, yes, one-up (“Lungs,” anyone?) the singles that put them on the radar to begin with. – Miles

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BUY: The Bones Of What You Believe is available via Glassnote/Virgin.