Review of 'Vicious Creature' by Lauren Mayberry: Expressive Solo Debut from Chvrches' Lead Vocalist

When Chvrches frontwoman Lauren Mayberry unleashed her solo project, it was evident she had some hidden truths to share. After a decade as the voice of the Scottish synth-pop trio, the singer felt the need to vent her struggles with fitting in as the sole woman amidst a sea of testosterone, while simultaneously tackling the rampant misogyny plaguing the music industry. In a recent interview, she admitted, "Being the lone girl and the lone woman in countless bands was a secluded experience most of the time. I bottled up a lot of things, and it's strange to start peeling away some of that."

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With 'Vicious Creature', Mayberry sought to make sense of all the sentiments she couldn't or wouldn' bloody write in Chvrches. Within this safe space, she discovered a kaleidoscope of untapped emotions, free to experiment outside the confines of Chvrches' electronic soundscapes.

The album bursts open with the anthemic 'Something In The Air', a defiant cry for reason, following an unnamed yet "pretty iconic" British musician who spouted conspiracy theories in her presence. The energy shifts to a new wave-influenced 'Crocodile Tears', a saucy dance floor filler boasting biting lines such as, "Maybe I'm the villain, but I find it kind of thrilling when you cry." 'Mantra' plunges us into the album's shadowy recesses, where Mayberry revels, her warped repetition of "I want, I want, I want it" captivating in its hypnotic, repetitive refrain.

The drama persists on the fist-pumping 'Punch Drunk' and sultry 'Change Shapes', though their basslines bear a trace of late 2010s girl power pop whimsy. The riot grrrl chaos of 'Sorry, Etc' and bright radio beats of 'Sunday Best' stumble in perhaps certain instances, as Mayberry grapples with revisiting familiar influences while infusing them with a modern touch.

Soft and introspective moments like 'Are You Awake' and the strikingly vulnerable 'Oh, Mother' showcase Mayberry's lighter side, with her voice rarely dropping to a whisper. The breadth of styles on display stands in stark contrast to the twisted world of Chvrches' 2021 album 'Screen Violence', but at times, it can feel more like an experimental playground than a bold artistic declaration.

As it turns out, even Mayberry seemed taken aback by these conflicting impulses when she was ready to charge headfirst, and that can make certain moments lag. But Mayberry is on a solo journey of self-discovery, leaving room for excitement about what lies ahead as she delves even deeper into her solo craft.

Details

Release date: December 6, 2024
Record label: EMI

The review Lauren Mayberry - 'Vicious Creature' review: Chvrches' frontwoman finds her voice again appeared first on NME.

Insights on the Review:

The album 'Vicious Creature' by Lauren Mayberry showcases a departure from her work with the band CHVRCHES, focusing on personal and societal themes such as misogyny in the music industry.
The album incorporates a diverse range of musical influences, including artists like Sinead O’Connor, Fiona Apple, PJ Harvey, All Saints, and Sugababes. This departure allows Mayberry to express emotions and themes not previously explored in her work, resulting in a more personal and direct musical identity.
The album's darker and more introspective tone reflects Mayberry's artistic growth and desire to delve deeper into emotional landscapes, marking a significant creative maturation for the singer.
The album 'Vicious Creature' by Lauren Mayberry is a testament to her evolving musical journey, drawing influences from diverse genres such as funk, pop, music, electronic music, and elements of pop-culture.
The review suggests that 'Vicious Creature' marks a departure from her previous work with Chvrches, allowing Mayberry to explore deeper and darker themes, mirroring the disappointments and struggles she faced during her time with the band.
With 'Vicious Creature', Mayberry delves into a kaleidoscope of emotions, unleashing her unique voice in the realm of solo entertainment and pop-culture, adding a fresh and genuine perspective to the music industry.