Following a significant hiatus, the celebrated Scottish synth-pop outfit Chvrches has returned to the spotlight, breathing fresh life into a cornerstone of indie music. The trio recently unveiled an ethereal reimagining of The Postal Service’s “Such Great Heights,” featured prominently in the third season finale of the Hulu/Disney+ psychological drama Tell Me Lies, providing the sonic backdrop for the series’ emotional climax.
The group—comprising vocalist Lauren Mayberry and multi-instrumentalists Iain Cook and Martin Doherty—has become a pivotal musical voice for the series. Beyond the finale, they also contributed a rendition of Robert Palmer’s “Addicted To Love” for the season premiere. Speaking exclusively with Billboard U.K., Mayberry expressed the band’s genuine enthusiasm for the project, noting they were eager to collaborate on a show they truly admire.
“It was a rare privilege to craft music for both the opening and closing of this season,” Mayberry remarked. “Serving as the musical bookends for the chaos and heartache of season three was a true honor. ‘Such Great Heights’ is essentially a flawless composition, so approaching it was equal parts exhilarating and intimidating. The Postal Service occupies a very sacred space in our musical hearts.”
Coinciding with the finale, showrunner Meaghan Oppenheimer confirmed that the series concluded with its third installment. “This was the resolution my team and I always envisioned, and we are incredibly proud of the result,” she shared via social media.
Mayberry’s connection to The Postal Service is deeply personal. During her recent solo endeavors, she served as a supporting act for their 2023 North American co-headlining tour alongside Death Cab For Cutie. Reflecting on those performances, she described the nightly experience of watching them play as a career highlight.
While Chvrches’ last full-length project, 2021’s horror-inspired Screen Violence, enjoyed critical and commercial success—peaking at No. 4 on the U.K. Official Albums Chart—the band is now looking forward. Mayberry revealed that new material is currently in development, characterized by a “vibrant ferocity” that marks a new chapter for the group. Fans won’t have to wait long to see them live; the band is set to return to the stage on March 27, supporting shoegaze pioneers My Bloody Valentine at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall.
A Conversation with Lauren Mayberry
How did the collaboration with Tell Me Lies materialize?
Lauren: It happened quite organically. A close friend of mine joined the writing staff for the third season. She reached out from the set one day to see if we’d be interested in contributing to the premiere. Apparently, the crew was discussing potential covers that would resonate with the audience, and when our name surfaced, she mentioned my obsession with the show. That led to a conversation with Meaghan Oppenheimer. I had to restrain my inner fan—it’s fascinating that someone so kind and warm can conceive such a dark, twisted narrative. She’s incredibly multifaceted.
What made “Such Great Heights” the right fit for the finale?
Lauren: Being a dedicated viewer gave me a unique perspective on how that final scene should feel. Despite the show’s reputation for volatility, the finale still managed to deliver some genuine shocks. I’ve always felt a deep empathy for the protagonist, Lucy. This season poignantly illustrates the long-term erosion caused by toxic dynamics, especially when they occur during one’s formative years.
The fact that the university segments are set in 2008 and 2009 is very resonant for me. I was a student then, and we didn’t have the same vocabulary for “toxic” relationships that exists today. I tried to channel that specific era and personal history into the vocal delivery. I’ve always been drawn to the interplay of euphoria and melancholy in The Postal Service’s work.
Do you recall your introduction to The Postal Service?
Lauren: A former bandmate gave me a copy of Give Up as a masterclass in male-female vocal harmonies. I was immediately captivated. I already adored Ben Gibbard and Jenny Lewis’s individual work, so the collaboration was a dream. Chvrches eventually played Sasquatch Festival in 2013 when they were celebrating the album’s tenth anniversary, and it felt like every musician on the bill was in the crowd watching them. Having toured with Death Cab later and then doing solo dates on their anniversary tour, our worlds have overlapped frequently. I even emailed Ben to ensure he didn’t find our cover “creepy,” and he was, as always, incredibly supportive.
What draws you to their songwriting?
Lauren: Ben and Jenny are among the finest lyricists of our time. Their storytelling is unparalleled. There’s also a beautiful mythology surrounding how that record was produced through the mail. Witnessing artists step outside their comfort zones to create something entirely new is profoundly inspiring. We need more of that creative fearlessness—bring back the supergroups!
How do you maintain the essence of a song while making it your own?
Lauren: It’s a delicate tightrope walk. You have to preserve the core DNA that makes the song recognizable while injecting your own perspective. “Such Great Heights” is a perfect pop artifact, so we aimed to be respectful and faithful. I spent a lot of time internalizing the lyrics to understand the narrative from my own viewpoint. Sometimes, even with a song you know by heart, the meaning shifts when you actually perform it yourself.
What is the current status of the next Chvrches album?
Lauren: We are nearing the finish line. In fact, we recorded these covers during the same sessions as the new album. While I can’t reveal too much yet, there is a certain bite and energy to this new music that feels entirely fresh for us. I’m incredibly eager to share it with the world.
You’re performing at the Royal Albert Hall next month for the Teenage Cancer Trust. How does that feel?
Lauren: We are looking forward to it immensely. It’s a charity event curated by Robert Smith, and remarkably, it will be Chvrches’ first live performance in three years. While it’s billed as a “stripped-back” set, we intend to bring plenty of power. You can’t exactly open for My Bloody Valentine with just acoustic guitars! We want to honor the band and the cause with a performance that truly lands.
