Lauren Mayberry at Shepherd’s Bush Empire
It’s not Lauren Mayberry’s first time performing at Shepherd’s Bush Empire but, on this last stop of the Vicious Creature tour, she is as fresh and exciting as ever. Lead singer of the beloved band CHVRCHES, Mayberry’s fans are devoted and undeterred by time, following eagerly into this new phase of her musical expression. They are, in turn, rewarded with a boundless show full of clever quips and breathtaking vocals.
A crackly audio plays before she comes onstage, reminding us all that this is a work of fiction, almost like a liability waiver. It’s dramatic and suspenseful, and nicely sets the tone for the theatrics that await us. Mayberry bounces out in an on-brand ruched dress and goes straight into the massive Crocodile Tears, an excellent choice of opener that revitalises the room. Change Shapes is up next, a uniquely funky tune which gives her the energy and freedom to spin around quickly. Indeed, most of her tracks exemplify her individuality, never quite going where you expect them to go, always taking the more interesting route in progression, bridge or key.
Never dull, the varied pace in the setlist keeps the crowd on their toes. Punch Drunk (where she is joined by opener Wolffe) is grungy and staccato, similar to the self-described “screamy, shouty, angry one”, Sorry, Etc. Mayberry is certainly elevated and in her element during these rockier sections, but it’s the slower ones where her vocal ability is really able to shine. She has such a distinctive, captivating voice, one that is simultaneously soft and powerful, and Something in the Air beautifully illuminates it. Under the glittering, fractured light of a hanging glitterball, her belts climb and climb with nothing but ease.
Mayberry is naturally hilarious. In between every song, sometimes even during songs, she is able to make the fans genuinely laugh with her wit. It doesn’t take away from the aura of the event, instead adding layers of vulnerability and raw feeling to her performance.
In the finale, fan and critic favourite Sunday Best, she gives it her all and the crowd give it right back. At one point, she retreats to show off her percussion skills, banging on a drum with vigour and enjoying how the room goes nuts. It’s clearly a successful night and, with promises of a fifth record coming from “the band”, both long-standing and new fans leave the Empire filled with good memories and a new excitement.
Talitha Stowell
Photos: Virginie Viche
For further information and future events, visit Lauren Mayberry’s website here.
Watch the video for the single Something in the Air here:
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