"Church of Scars" received generally positive reviews from music critics. Reviewers praised Briggs' ability to craft catchy and emotive pop songs, as well as his introspective and often humorous lyrics. The album holds a Metacritic score of 73 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews".
Since its release, "Church of Scars" has received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising Bishop Briggs' innovative approach to electronic music. The album has been praised by fans and critics alike, with many noting its therapeutic qualities and emotional resonance.
Album Review: Bishop Briggs – Church of Scars (2018) When Sarah Grace McLaughlin, known professionally as Bishop Briggs, released her debut studio album Church of Scars on April 20, 2018, she did not just drop a collection of songs. She unveiled a sanctuary built from raw emotion, thunderous percussion, and a vocal power that feels both ancient and hyper-modern. For audiophiles and music lovers who demand the highest fidelity, experiencing this album in CD-quality FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) format is not just a preference—it is a necessity.
The album was a commercial success, debuting at number 31 on the US Billboard 200 chart. The lead single, "River", peaked at number 1 on the US Alternative Songs chart.
"Dream" slows down the tempo but ramps up the emotional vulnerability. Built around an eerie piano melody, the song explores the fear of losing someone and the pain of waking up to reality. The vocal performance here is incredibly intimate, and a lossless audio setup reveals the subtle reverb trails applied to her voice to simulate a massive, empty cathedral. 6. Wild Horses
While streaming platforms offer convenience, lossy compressed audio formats (like standard MP3s or low-bitrate streams) strip away the soul of complex productions. A 16-bit/44.1kHz FLAC rip directly from the original 2018 CD preserves every single bit of audio data. For an album as dynamically diverse as Church of Scars , FLAC completely transforms the listening experience. 1. Vocal Texture and Grit
Standout tracks include "River", a sweeping and emotive song that showcases Briggs' vocal range and control, and "Judas", a dark and pulsing track that features a haunting vocal performance. "Life is a Fantasy" is another highlight, with its shimmering synths and introspective lyrics.
For the purists, is the holy grail. FLAC files offer the same digital information as a CD (sometimes even higher, such as 24-bit/96kHz "Hi-Res" versions) but compressed without losing any data.
At its core, Church of Scars is an exercise in tension and release. Briggs bridges the gap between trap-heavy electronic production and the organic, sweat-stained urgency of classic soul and gospel. It is a fusion that requires immense vocal power to anchor, and Briggs delivers with a rasp that feels earned rather than manufactured.
If you are looking to expand your digital lossless library with an album that will push your audio gear to its limits while moving your soul, Church of Scars is an absolute essential.