Written and Photos by Bang Ho
Feb. 26th, 2025
Austin, Texas – Scoot Inn
When a consummate artist like Lauren Mayberry has been in the industry for over a decade, one would expect their first solo project to hold some surprises for sure. Even with that expectation, she managed to further surprise with the release of “Vicious Creature.” It is an amalgamation of everything that is quintessentially and absolutely unapologetically Lauren. The show at Scoot Inn was a perfect display of the album, a showcase of multitudes, rife with different styles that speak to Lauren but haven’t always been able to perhaps be on full display due to their different styles and focuses of the different bands she’s been in. Joined on stage with a bassist and drummer, Lauren showcased her lyrics and stories that may have been told, but not fully until now. There were soft ballads with just Lauren at the piano, punk rock songs of resistance that were loud and in your face, and of course pop songs that were lo-fi or filled with seemingly six plus backing tracks. Normally an album this “manic” might not work, but the lyrics and story and hooks are captivating. Whatever your jam, there is something for everyone. As busy as Lauren is, I’m glad she finally found time for a project that is solely hers and I cannot wait to see what new things she brings from this experience to Chvrches V.
