Words & Photos by Jose Serrato
Lauren Mayberry stepped aside from her band Chvrches to release her first solo album this past December. Vicious Creature consists of 12 tracks that highlight the amazing voice of Mayberry. At the Granda Theater, fans watched her deliver a performance that was both intimate and electrifying. The show proved that Mayberry is more than capable of commanding a stage without the synth-driven safety net of her band.
The evening opened with Cult of Venus, a darkly atmospheric act that set the mood with haunting melodies and layered instrumentation. The choice of opener complemented Mayberry’s shift into more personal, vulnerable songwriting — a marked departure from Chvrches’ polished electronic pop.
Mayberry’s presence on stage is instantly magnetic launching into “Crocodile Tears,” which set the tone for a night of storytelling through song. The setlist consisted of every track from her solo debut album with the addition of an amazing cover of “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve.
Vocally, Mayberry was impeccable. Her voice floating effortlessly through the Granada’s warm acoustics. But beyond the technical prowess, what made her performance stand out was its vulnerability. Mayberry’s expressive delivery made it impossible not to hang on every lyric.
Throughout the night, she interacted with the crowd in her signature witty and self-deprecating way, cracking jokes between songs and making the large theater feel like a cozy conversation among friends. The Granada, with its vintage charm and intimate setting, was the perfect venue for an artist making her first steps as a solo performer.
By the end of the night, it was clear that Lauren Mayberry is not just a voice behind a band. She’s an artist in her own right. If this tour is any indication, her solo career is just beginning, and fans will be eager to follow wherever she goes next.
