Bishop Briggs

Live/Album Review: Bishop Briggs - Church of Scars

With a blend of powerhouse vocals and quirky attitude, it’s only a matter of time before rising songstress Bishop Briggs becomes the next big thing in the alternative pop world. The singer held an album release party for debut album Church of Scars at the Masonic Lodge in Los Angeles, CA.

The project has been a daunting two-plus years in the making, Bishop professed during the show. Bishop started off her career by playing at any venue that would ask her to perform and ultimately ended up signing to Island Records.

During the show, Briggs recounted how she humbly bragged on Instagram that she sold out the Masonic show in 20 minutes. Later finding out through an email, she actually sold out in seconds. It’s no surprise why.

Her career has been taking off rapidly. Her second single, “Rivers” became commercial and climbed into the top 3 on the 'Billboard Alternative Songs chart and top 10 on the Billboard Hot Rock, Rock Airplay and Twitter Emerging Artist charts.

The Masonic show was the first time Briggs sang from her debut album Church of Scars. A vibrant album of blues-rock and alternative pop anthems. The album is filled with elements of trap snares and reverb vocals. Church of Scars is a solid debut, standouts include catchy singles "Tempt My Trouble" and "Dream." Bishop also strips down with “Lyin,'” a song co-written with Dan Reynolds from Imagine Dragons. Overall, the album focuses on Briggs' strengths. The album has a heavy gospel influence ( "Water") that works well with her vocals.

Bishop Briggs performance at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery solidified my thought that she is ready to perform at bigger venues. Her energy on stage is authentic and contagious. She handled the crowd well, often telling funny stories that demonstrated her sweet and quirky personality.

With more work, Bishop Briggs can become the whole package. Her vocals are hypnotic. Her style is fun. She has a commanding stage presence. What’s missing is a bigger fan base.