Lauren Mayberry returned to the 9:30 Club for her second tour since launching her solo career.
Mayberry, who was also the lead singer of alt band CHVRCHES prior to their hiatus, released
her debut solo album “Vicious Creature” this past December. The accompanying tour kicked off
late last month in California and will criss-cross North America before concluding in Los
Angeles, where she resides.
In 2023, Lauren Mayberry announced her debut single “Are You Awake” and subsequently
began a solo tour that kicked off at the 9:30 Club. She reflected on this during Tuesday night’s
show, stating that the venue was important to her and acknowledging the career landmarks that
have occurred in that space.
The show was opened by alt-pop musician Cult of Venus. Part singer, part activist, Cult of
Venus has performed at protests, women’s marches, and even Riker’s Island Correctional
Facility. Performing relatively anonymously, Cult of Venus remained completely unlit throughout
her set, with only her silhouette visible to the crowd.
Lauren Mayberry also incorporated activism and politics into her set, donning a shirt that stated
support for Transgender rights. She acknowledged her shirt by saying it wasn’t something she
would usually wear, but that it felt important to bring that message to the district. The Scottish
singer revealed that she impulsively wore a sparkly hairpiece to balance out her outfit. The
audience cheered her on through each song and speech. She launched into a very progressive
speech before declaring “this next song has a prop!” where she then retrieved a megaphone
before playing “Something in the Air”. Her last show at the 9:30 Club was not nearly as political,
but much of her performed songs had more themes of politics and society, so this evolution felt
natural and was well received.
Her solo music was incredibly varied. Some songs (“Oh, Mother”, “Are You Awake?”) were
slower, softer, and slightly depressing. Others, (“Sunday Best”, “Sorry, Etc”, “Crocodile Tears”)
were more upbeat, fast, rock tracks. Despite the variance, her set felt cohesive as most songs
featured the use of synths and all songs were performed with her live band. She covered The
Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony”, showcasing her piercing soprano vocals to the track.
Lauren Mayberry combines politics, art, and music in an incredibly effective way. She was faced
with an incredibly tense district on Tuesday, and successfully got the crowd dancing and singing
along for the evening. She was able to effortlessly connect with the crowd on a deeper level
than just as a performer. Lauren Mayberry will continue on the US leg of the Vicious Creature
Tour through March, before embarking on an international tour.
Final Grade: A+
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