Lauren Mayberry: “Vicious Creature” ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lauren Mayberry’s Solo Debut: A Fiery Pop Punch Straight to the Ears and Heart
Lauren Mayberry, the powerhouse frontwoman of Chvrches, has finally unleashed her debut solo album, and let’s just say – she’s not holding back. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill pop affair; it’s raw, gutsy, and oozing with 90s-inspired vibes that pack planty of attitude. Rumour had it, this project had been simmering long before COVID derailed everyone’s plans, and now that it’s here, you can feel the relief and the adrenaline coursing through every track.
The album kicks off with "Something in the Air", a perfect entry point for die-hard Chvrches fans who want to dip their toes in. It’s catchy and has plenty of edge.
Then there’s "Sorry Etc", where Mayberry doesn’t just crack open the door to her frustrations; she kicks it off its hinges. Lyrically, it’s a middle finger to the boys' club of the music world, with the brilliantly cutting line: “It’s only wrong if you do it and you get caught”. Probably my favourite lyric of the year.
"A Work of Fiction" showcases her range perfectly. But it’s "Sunday Best" that steals the show for me – a perfect storm of gut-punching lyrics and an irresistible hook that’ll have it hanging around your playlist long after others have been removed.
Mayberry’s debut solo effort is bold, brilliant, and unapologetically her. If this is what she’s been bubbling up all this time, then the wait was more than worth it. An album that slaps harder than your last hangover.
Stand-out tracks: “Something in the Air ”, “Sorry Etc ”, “Sunday Best”
