Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches Unveils Debut Solo Album ‘Vicious Creature’ With Bold New Single ‘Crocodile Tears’
Lauren Mayberry of Chvrches has revealed her debut solo album, Vicious Creature, and released her new single, ‘Crocodile Tears’. Co-written with Mathew Koma (Winnetka Bowling League) and Ethan Gruska, this lively track brings in an 80s-inspired beat and vivid synths, while the lyrics express frustration with men who would say anything to get their way. Directed by Charlotte Patmore, the visualizer shows Mayberry posing in a lavish hotel room, dressed in an oversized My Bloody Valentine t-shirt and red tights, sipping tea and striking poses.
In a recent press release, Lauren Mayberry shared insights into her debut solo album Vicious Creature, explaining her intent to embody “a sort of character” that allowed her to shed the pressure of being “nice.” She said that shedding this expectation felt freeing, as it’s something she feels holds back many women. She added that If she didn’t have to worry about being seen as ‘nice,’ she’d be comfortable telling certain people to get lost when they treat her badly – on this record, she gets to do exactly that.
The album, Mayberry’s first solo work since leading Chvrches since 2011, is set to release on December 6 via Island Records. A statement describes the LP as a deeply personal exploration of “sexuality and empowerment,” influenced by icons from Mayberry’s youth like Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, PJ Harvey, Kathleen Hanna, and British girl groups All Saints and Sugababes.
Image Courtesy: mxdwn Music
The album’s creation also brought together notable collaborators, including Mathew Koma, Ethan Gruska, Tobias Jesso Jr. (known for working with Harry Styles and Adele), and Dan McDougall, who helped her tap into “a whole new world of inspiration.” She shared that the process was about “empowering [herself] to trust her intuition” again, recalling that “you start creating because you felt something, and you want to express it.” She emphasized that this experience was a way to “relearn independence” and appreciate her contributions in any setting.
Vicious Creature will feature earlier releases like ‘Something In The Air,’ ‘Are You Awake?’ ‘Shame,’ and ‘Change Shapes.’ Mayberry also cited musicals like Cabaret and Chicago as visual inspirations for the album, explaining that for the first time, she wanted the visuals to be part of the storytelling and to feel in control of her image.
Image Courtesy: Popload
Reflecting on Chvrches’ 10-year journey since The Bones Of What You Believe, Mayberry acknowledged that there were aspects she was never comfortable sharing or performing with a band of men. While the group always had a feminist narrative, she often felt like she was “fitting in rather than leading.” Her solo work allowed her to consider “what it would look like to create under different circumstances.”
In a recent interview, Mayberry discussed her solo material and said the creative process was separate from Chvrches because it stemmed from experiences and themes she “couldn’t or wouldn’t” explore with the band.
Accompanying the album announcement, Mayberry has also confirmed a 2025 North American tour. Announcing her solo project last year, Mayberry shared her vision for her music, describing it as a “fun, freaky, sad, weird, joyful pop playground.”
–Silviya.Y
