Lauren Mayberry’s highly anticipated debut solo album Vicious Creatures takes a noticeably poppier tack than her band Chvrches’ signature sound. The album features a cast of big-name collaborators, including Greg Kurstin and Tobias Jesso Jr. But what makes this record interesting is its willingness to explore past influences while still feeling timely.
In Mayberry’s view, the album is a return to basics, driven by her intuition rather than a desire for mainstream success. This approach feels surprisingly apt in today’s music landscape, where pop has regained dominance after rap’s recent reign. The album’s best moments come when it breaks free from its influences and ventures into new territory.
While some tracks are strong melodically but lack distinctiveness (e.g., “A Work of Fiction” with its Kylie-esque Euro synths), others shine with harder-to-place inspiration, such as the snappy bass guitar line in “Punch Drunk.” The chaotic arrangement of “Sorry, Etc. Mantra” stands out for its disjointed yet effective approach.
Lyrics veer between skillful storytelling and heavy-handedness, but there’s something relatable about Mayberry’s exploration of messy emotions. Tracks like “Are You Awake?” and “Change Shapes” tackle toxic relationships and industry sexism with nuance.
Ultimately, Vicious Creatures feels like an album in progress, a step forward for Mayberry as she navigates her solo landscape. The record arrives on December 6th, offering a fresh perspective on pop’s past and present.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/nov/28/lauren-mayberry-vicious-creature-review