Rising British-American alternative singer Bishop Briggs delivers a ‘short but sweet’ debut album with ‘Church of Scars.’ She exhibits loads of potential. 

Had it not been for a sensational cover of the INXS classic “Never Tear Us Apart” or her guest appearance on American Idol, there’s a chance that Bishop Briggs may not had made it onto my radar.  That’s sad because the 25-year old alternative singer/songwriter has mad potential.  More specifically, she has mad pipes.  Throughout the course of her full-length debut, Church of Scars, she proves she’s a ‘force to be reckoned with.’

“River”

Bishop Briggs kicks things off strongly with “Tempt My Trouble,” serving up breathy vocals on the verses, while digging in on the chorus.  While “Tempt My Trouble” sets the tone, “River”, which first appeared on her 2017 Bishop Briggs, is a surefire hit. The sleek, modern production goes a long way, particularly the hard-hitting drum programming as well as the dark synths on the chorus.  More than the opener, Briggs shows off the power of her instrument.

“White Flag”

Follow up “Lyin’” taps into Briggs’ urban-pop, another successful look and sounds.  The balance of smooth and coarser, grittier vocals is impressive.  “Lyin’” doesn’t outperform “River,” but ultimately plays well.  The minor-key “White Flag” has an element of mystery on the first verse before Briggs reveals the cards with a resolute, uplifting chorus.  “Dream” benefits from its thudding beat, and a blend of folk-driven pop and the electronic cues that have appeared throughout Church of Scars.  While it’s not a showstopper per se, the most important element is intact – the voice.

“Wild Horses”

On “Wild Horses,” a reprisal from her 2017 EP, Bishop Briggs steps up her game. Like most of Church of Scars, she’s more poised on the verses, while she ‘unleashes the beast’ on the chorus.  “Wild Horses” stands out compared to other records because the instrumental plays a significant role on the chorus section, much like an EDM cut.  Keeping the momentum going strong is “Hallowed Ground.” “Hallowed Ground” brilliantly blends EDM, gospel, and soul into one.  Briggs flexes her robust pipes, backed by biting synth brass and organ. Briggs definitely makes the church say yes.

“Water”

After taking the listeners to church once, she keeps it up on the soulful ballad, “Water.” Again, the ‘bread is buttered’ on the chorus, where Briggs is able to get loose with her massive pipes.  She gets an assist by a gospel choir, only amplifying the emotions. The tempo picks up on “The Fire” which is anchored by an electrifying, pummeling beat. The attitude and grit are nothing short of awesome.  Briggs closes things out marvelously with “Hi-Lo (Hollow).” Following a cool, calm, and collected intro, things heat up, inviting more sick, contemporary production and bite from Briggs herself.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Bishop Briggs delivers an enjoyable, well-rounded full-length debut album with Church of Scars.  At 10 tracks clocking in at just 33 minutes, this is a slim, but satisfying project.  Church of Scarsisn’t a game changer, but Briggs shows she’s got a sick voice and plenty to offer artistically.

Gems: “River,” “Wild Horses,” “Hallowed Ground,” “Water” & “The Fire”   

Bishop Briggs • Church of Scars • Island • Release: 4.20.18

Photo Credit: Island