Lauren Mayberry | Vicious Creature Review

by Bea Willis

Lauren Mayberry’s Vicious Creature marks a captivating recalibration for an artist who has spent the past decade as the crystalline voice of CHVRCHES. With her unmistakable blend of vulnerability and defiance, Mayberry steps forward, unaccompanied but unbound. This debut solo effort is not meant as a specific departure but an exploration, an expansion on her strengths as a songwriter and a storyteller unafraid to dissect her reflections.

Rather than resting on the ethereal synth-pop laurels of CHVRCHES, Vicious Creature pulses with dynamic shifts and surprising turns. Tracks like “Crocodile Tears,” “Mantra,” and the standout “Sunday Best” demonstrate her knack for combining infectious melodies with incisive storytelling. Here, she filters the nostalgia of ’80s pop through a modern lens, coating her signature shimmering song creations with grit and nuance. The album brims with contrast—brassy declarations of independence, quiet introspections, and the tug-of-war between disillusionment and hope.

The opener, “Something in the Air,” grabs your attention with subtle contrasts. A pleasing balance of pulsating low-key beats and airy synths frame Mayberry’s buoyant vocal delivery. The song’s light, playful tone belies its more profound commentary on the bewildering grip of misinformation, inviting listeners into an album that balances levity and gravitas.

“Crocodile Tears” follows with a rock-inspired drumbeat and irresistible New Wave synths, reflecting Mayberry’s versatility and willingness to stretch her sonic palette. The production, guided by Dan McDougall, ensures the track pulses with energy while letting Mayberry’s biting lyricism take center stage. Her playful taunt—*”Maybe I’m a villain / But I find it kind of thrillin’ when you cry”—is delivered with a mischievous glint that borders on catharsis.

Some of the album’s most decisive moments arise from its quieter, more introspective spaces. “Anywhere But Dancing” is an acoustic setting that amplifies the emotional weight of her reflections on fleeting connection. The understated arrangement, marked by mellow guitar and gentle synth pads, allows Mayberry’s nuanced vocal phrasing to take the spotlight. Her use of varied vibrato rates adds texture to the melody, while the subtle shifts in dynamics reveal an artist in full command of her expressive range.

“Oh, Mother” peels back layers of familial intricacy with unflinching honesty. The raw vulnerability in her delivery transforms the song into a poignant narrative that resonates universally. The accompanying instrumentation—a blend of tender acoustic elements and rich harmonies—elevates the emotional stakes without overshadowing the delicate storytelling.

Mayberry’s gift for crafting sophisticated ballads is further showcased in “Are You Awake?,” a stirring album closer co-written with Tobias Jesso, Jr. The minimalist arrangement leaves room for every breath and syllable to linger, offering a fitting denouement that feels tender and triumphant.

On the other end of the emotional spectrum, “Shame” reflects a sardonic wit and dynamic shifts. The verses simmer with restraint before erupting into a frenetic, anthemic chorus. Similarly, “Punch Drunk” channels a brash, rock-infused energy that underscores Mayberry’s refusal to be pigeonholed.

Despite the album’s triumphs, Vicious Creature does grapple with moments of familiarity. Tracks like “Sorry, Etc.” lean into alt-rock conventions that, while catchy, may strike some listeners as derivative. However, even in these moments, Mayberry’s lyrical sharpness and vocal charisma prevent the album from feeling stagnant.

“Mantra” offers a refreshing injection of electronica with its bouncing rhythm and layered vocal harmonies. The gradual buildup of percussion and expressive glissandos in her upper register keeps the track engaging and vibrant. “A Work of Fiction” enchants with its lush instrumentation, courtesy of Ethan Gruska, creating an evocative soundscape that feels cinematic in scope.

The production across the album is undeniably ambitious, sometimes teetering on the brink of disconnected but never fully unraveling. With contributions from an impressive roster—including Greg Kurstin’s work on “Sunday Best”—the album navigates shifts in tone with finesse. The rousing beats and euphoric build of “Sunday Best” evoke Fatboy Slim’s celebratory irreverence while maintaining Mayberry’s distinct voice. It’s a jubilant declaration of autonomy wrapped in cascading melodies and driving percussion.

Ultimately, Vicious Creature thrives on its dualities: intimacy and grandeur, vulnerability and resilience, nostalgia and reinvention. Lauren Mayberry steps out of CHVRCHES’ shadow not to distance herself from her roots, but to claim her space with clarity and conviction. This 12-track, 40-minute journey is a successful debut that reflects Mayberry as a formidable force in her own right. By refusing to be tethered to expectation, she invites listeners to join her in embracing both the vicious and the vulnerable aspects of creation and identity.

Artist: Lauren Mayberry
Album: Vicious Creature
Label: Universal Music

Release Date: December 6, 2024

About the author

Bea Willis

Author

With an unwavering passion for music that began at the tender age of five, I embarked on a journey of self-expression through the piano, later expanding my repertoire to the guitar and the art of singing. As a seasoned performer in cozy coffee shops and harmonious choir ensembles, I've immersed myself in the diverse tapestry of musical genres, seeking to uncover the intricate qualities that strike a chord within our souls.

Beyond my personal experiences, my journalistic pursuits have led me to explore the stories and inspirations behind the melodies we hold dear. As a music journalist, I aim to delve into the heart of each composition, shedding light on the creative minds that have shaped the soundscape of our lives.

In my downtime, you can find me serenading my loyal canine companion with heartfelt tunes on the guitar or indulging in retail therapy to enhance my ever-growing wardrobe. Songwriting holds a special place in my heart, and I yearn for the day when I can share my creative talents with the world. Until then, my passion for uncovering the emotional power within music continues to drive my insightful reviews and analyses, as I journey through the rich landscape of melodies that move us.