Freezing Boston temperatures couldn’t dampen the mood inside a packed Sinclair this week to see Lauren Mayberry, on tour for her new solo album Vicious Creature. Mayberry did not let that crowd down either, playing all twelve tracks, and throwing in a bonus cover of The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” for good measure. Mayberry presented each song with the same honesty and effusive charm she is known for, telling stories to an adoring audience, some of whom have undoubtedly followed her career since CHVRCHES first played the Paradise in June of 2013.

She lamented on some costuming struggles: the silver minidress she wore on stage was supposed to be beset with a huge bow, (alas it was not to be!) and being candid about her relationship with her mother, as well as anxiety on the road. Her solo performance style may still be something she’s growing accustomed to, but that didn’t stop the folks in the room from hanging off her every word. “Change Shapes” and “Sunday Best” got the crowd chanting along, while “Are you Awake” brought the energy back down as she sang, seated from under a huge mirrorball. Performing “Sorry, etc” complimented all the sweetness well, leaving space for anger and heartbreak (And some hope from this writer for more of her scratchy, screamy music in the future). 

Tour support for Mayberry was the mysterious Cult of Venus, who opened the night with a trancy, expansive sound. She performed in shadow, wearing an all-black ensemble including a zipper skirt and curved boots evocative of a 2010s Alexander McQueen runway. Her music is a protest that explores dystopian themes like mass surveillance and climate change through looping tracks and haunted melodies. She closed with her new single “Algorithm” which is about social media’s toxic hold on modern society. It is officially out now on all major streaming platforms, listenable here: https://cov.lnk.to/algorithm

Check out all of Samantha’s photos from the show below.