Lauren Mayberry brought her charm, intensity, and vulnerability to a snowy District Music Hall

Photos by Jessie Fuentes

A little snow wasn’t going to stop Lauren Mayberry from putting on a spectacular show. Best known as the lead singer of CHVRCHES, Mayberry has spent over a decade at the forefront of synth-pop, blending shimmering melodies with deeply personal lyricism. Now stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist, she’s showcasing a new side of her artistry with Vicious Creatures, an ambitious record that playfully and honestly leans into capabilities and influences. While the weather may have kept some fans away, those who braved the elements to District Music Hall in Norwalk were treated to an intimate and unforgettable show.

Opening the night was Cult Of Venus, a one-woman powerhouse who commanded the stage with an electrifying presence. A true jack-of-all-trades, she seamlessly layered beats, shredded on guitar, and delivered hauntingly ethereal vocals—all at once. Her sound felt both futuristic and immersive, wrapping the room in a dense, atmospheric haze that pulsed with creativity. Each track built upon the last, weaving hypnotic rhythms and shimmering synth textures that transported the audience to another dimension. The fusion of electronic beats and raw, live instrumentation created a soundscape that was both otherworldly and deeply emotive, drawing the crowd into her orbit. At times, her voice floated above the pulsating bass like a spectral force, while at others, it cut through with a sharp intensity, demanding attention. The set was a slow burn, building in intensity as she layered each element with precision, proving that she is a true artist in full control of her craft, leaving the audience primed and buzzing for the night ahead.

Photos by Jessie Fuentes

Lauren Mayberry took the stage with an undeniable presence, opening the night with a striking trio of Crocodile Tears, Changing Shapes, and Mantra. Despite the snowy weather causing a more intimate turnout compared to other stops on her tour, the atmosphere only added to the show’s charm, making the performance feel even more personal. Playing a short but sweet 13-track setlist that covered the entirety of Vicious Creatures, she fully immersed herself in each song, bringing her signature energy and theatrical flair. Her movements and expressions felt effortless, naturally embodying her quirky, eccentric style in a way that made every moment feel genuine. One particularly captivating highlight came during Crocodile Tears when she picked up a rotary phone and pantomimed an emotional argument as if spilling her frustrations through a one-sided conversation.

Dressed in a striking red skirt and a flower-covered corset top, with a red flower tucked in her hair, she exuded a look reminiscent of a salsa dancer, adding an extra layer of drama and elegance to the performance. Watching her move through the set, especially during songs like Changing Shapes, felt like witnessing a figure step out of a contemporary pop art painting—bold, expressive, and impossibly vibrant. Whether swaying in the hazy glow of the stage lights or stomping across the stage with fiery intensity, she made every moment feel like a living piece of art.

Photo by Jessie Fuentes

During her time off in the state, Mayberry made the most of her visit, venturing into the legendary Stew Leonard’s, Connecticut’s infamous grocery store known for its animated food characters and quirky charm. She seemed equally amused and bewildered by the over-the-top displays, a place where a singing milk carton or a dancing banana is just another part of the shopping experience. But her offstage adventures weren’t just limited to lighthearted grocery store escapades—she also found herself in a heated debate about equal pay in tennis. While it should be an obvious no-brainer that men and women deserve equal compensation, she recounted how her opponent went as far as to argue that Serena Williams—one of the greatest tennis players of all time, regardless of gender—didn’t deserve to be paid the same as a top male player like John McEnroe. It was an understandably baffling take to fight about, but true to her outspoken and quick-witted nature, Lauren didn’t back down, using her platform both on and off stage to call out absurdity where she saw it.

As the night progressed, Lauren turned up the energy with some of her faster-paced tracks, delivering electrifying performances of Shame, Anywhere But Dancing, Punch Drunk, and her standout single, Something in the Air. Shame and Anywhere But Dancing pulsed with restless urgency, as she moved across the stage with a kinetic energy that mirrored the song’s driving beat. Punch Drunk leaned into its chaotic, euphoric nature, with Mayberry throwing herself into every lyric, her voice soaring above the frenzied instrumentals. Adding to the playful chaos, she strapped on a cheerleading-style microphone, freeing her hands to throw exaggerated gestures and dance with even more intensity, fully embodying the song’s dizzying, reckless spirit. Throughout the night, her interactions with the crowd were just as lively as her performance. While the audience took a little time to truly crack and warm up—perhaps still thawing out from the cold outside—Mayberry’s wit, charm, and infectious energy gradually pulled them in. By the time she launched into Something in the Air, the room had fully come alive, with voices echoing back at her as she twirled across the stage, basking in the collective energy of the moment. Even with the storm raging outside, inside the venue, the atmosphere was electric—her  relentless enthusiasm making it impossible not to move.

Photos by Jessie Fuentes

The show wrapped up on a deeply emotional yet triumphant note, with Mayberry guiding the audience through somber tracks like her haunting cover of Bittersweet Symphony, the reflective Work of Fiction, and the heart-wrenching Oh Mother. Each song carried a weight of introspection, drawing the audience into a more vulnerable, meditative space. But as the night drew to a close, Mayberry left everyone with a sense of hope and strength, closing with the triumphant reflection of Sunday Best. The song’s upbeat, anthemic energy served as the perfect end to the evening, offering a sense of catharsis and resilience. As she took her final bow, the crowd erupted in applause. Despite the weather, Lauren Mayberry proved that no storm could dampen the magic she creates when she steps on stage.

See Lauren Mayberry on her 2025 Vicious Creatures Tour here. Check out more photos from the show in our gallery.