Chvrches have returned to the stage for the first instance after nearly three years, marking a notable milestone for the Scottish synth-pop trio. The band performed on Friday night at the Royal Albert Hall in London as part of Robert Smith’s Teenage Cancer Trust concert series, which also showcased Garbage, My Bloody Valentine, and Elbow. During their set, the group introduced a new song titled “Conman,” giving the audience an exclusive first listen to material from their upcoming album. Singer Lauren Mayberry introduced the song to the crowd, acknowledging the milestone with humour and sincerity, saying: “I promise I’m not just inside watching telly all the time, we have been making a record.”
A Successful Homecoming Following Years Apart
The Royal Albert Hall show marked a successful comeback for Chvrches, whose last album, Screen Violence, was came out in 2021. The years in between saw significant changes within the band, especially for frontwoman Lauren Mayberry, who revealed she was leaving in 2023 to pursue a solo career. Despite this change, the reunion demonstrates that the group’s artistic collaboration remains strong and appreciated. The personal feel of the Teenage Cancer Trust benefit concert offered an ideal setting for such a meaningful comeback, allowing the band to reconnect with fans in a renowned London location.
Mayberry’s individual projects have clearly enhanced her artistic perspective and shaped the band’s new direction. She released her first solo record, Vicious Creature, in December 2024, followed by a full touring schedule throughout 2025. Speaking to NME about her choice to pursue solo work, she noted that specific songwriting ideas required a personal voice rather than the group approach of Chvrches. This distinction has clearly allowed her to venture into creative territory that wouldn’t suit within the band’s signature style, ultimately improving the material she brings back to the group.
- Last album Screen Violence came out in 2021
- Mayberry pursued solo career starting in 2023
- Solo LP Vicious Creature released December 2024
- Band confirmed new music in development last summer
Exposing ‘Conman’ to a Held Audience
The Point of Discovery
The unveiling of “Conman” constituted a significant turning point for Chvrches, offering loyal supporters their opening view of the ensemble’s creative progression since their extended hiatus. Mayberry’s frank remarks to the Royal Albert Hall audience maintained an excellent balance between self-deprecating humour and genuine excitement, addressing the prolonged interval between recorded releases whilst generating excitement for what was to come. Her confirmation that the band had actually continued working during their break from the spotlight—rather than merely withdrawing from public life—offered comfort to fans who had wondered about the band’s direction ahead and dedication to fresh releases.
The decision to premiere “Conman” at such a prestigious charitable event added significant weight to the moment. By choosing the Teenage Cancer Trust benefit concert as the venue for unveiling fresh material, Chvrches demonstrated their commitment to use their profile for meaningful causes whilst also rewarding the loyal fan community who had stayed committed through years of uncertainty. Mayberry’s modest appeal for the audience’s patience and kindness, given that the band had not previously played the track before a live audience, created an personal ambiance that went beyond the grandeur of the historic venue and fostered genuine connection between performers and spectators.
The release of “Conman” indicates that Chvrches’ new release will probably showcase the creative development and experimentation that Mayberry investigated during her solo venture. Though the band has stayed notably reserved about launch schedules and further information regarding the latest project, the presence of completed tracks indicates that fans may not face an extended wait for a full project. The track’s premiere at such a prestigious occasion demonstrates the band’s belief in their fresh approach and their desire to progress with this next chapter, blending the collective identity Chvrches have developed with the fresh perspectives their individual artists have gained during their period of separation.
Lauren Mayberry’s solo journey and comeback
Lauren Mayberry’s decision to step away from Chvrches in 2023 represented a significant juncture in her creative trajectory, one that finally brought about a more profound comprehension of her own creative expression. The Scottish singer’s solo album, Vicious Creature, launched in December 2024, offered a candid window into her creative work beyond the band format of the synth-pop group. Throughout 2025, she travelled extensively in promotion of the solo project, reconnecting with audiences on a closer, more individual footing and cementing her status as a accomplished solo musician in her own right. This period of independence was creatively crucial, letting her delve into themes and lyrical territories that would not have gained authentic voice within Chvrches’ recognised style.
The reunion at the Royal Albert Hall signified considerably more than a simple comeback with the band; it reflected a harmonisation of Mayberry’s personal creative aspirations and her sustained commitment to Chvrches’ unified creative purpose. Rather than regarding her solo venture as a departure or rejection of the group, Mayberry has framed it as a vital progression that has enhanced her awareness of herself as an artist. The experience of creating and delivering Vicious Creature independently seems to have revitalised her methodology to musical creation and stage work, bringing renewed energy and perspective to the band’s joint creative work. Her readiness to rejoin to Chvrches with this newfound confidence points to a more balanced, fulfilled creative partnership moving forward.
Developing Her Unique Voice
When talking about her solo work with NME, Mayberry disclosed that specific lyrical ideas and creative approaches simply could not be accommodated within Chvrches’ established framework. She noted that some material demanded a single storytelling perspective rather than the shared viewpoint that characterises the band’s output. This distinction was essential to her creative growth, as it enabled her to examine emotional depth, lived experiences, and subject matter that might have felt incongruous with Chvrches’ sonic identity. The solo album served as a necessary outlet for self-expression that transcended the band’s collective framework.
Mayberry’s explanation of this creative distinction underscores a typical difficulty encountered by members of accomplished ensembles: the conflict between personal creative expression and group cohesion. By accepting that she continues as the voice within Chvrches whilst at the same time requiring the opportunity to express a deeply individual viewpoint, Mayberry demonstrated mature insight about her role within the band. Her independent work wasn’t an act of rebellion but rather a enriching pursuit that eventually strengthens her work with Chvrches. This maturation in her artistic thinking implies that the forthcoming release will benefit from the certainty and self-belief she has gained through her period apart.
What Lies Ahead for the Scottish Synth-Pop Legends
Whilst Chvrches have offered tantalising glimpses of their upcoming album, the band remains notably tight-lipped about release timelines and additional material. The Royal Albert Hall show served as a strategically designed reintroduction, indicating to fans and sector commentators alike that the group’s creative momentum remains very much operational. Lauren Mayberry’s forthright observations to the audience—acknowledging both the concerns regarding their new direction and the real anticipation of sharing unfinished tracks—struck a distinctly personal note that connected with attendees. The strategic move to debut “Conman” at such a high-profile, philanthropic venue underscored the importance of this moment for the band’s trajectory.
The reunion also signifies a broader shift in how Chvrches aims to work moving forward, conceivably introducing a more sustainable model that accommodates individual personal projects alongside joint ventures. Rather than requiring complete dedication from all members, this refined method acknowledges the creative benefits of letting members develop solo projects. For Mayberry specifically, her work on Vicious Creature appears to have offered essential understanding and fresh energy for Chvrches’ distinctive sound. As the group remains focused on their new album, fans can look forward to a project influenced by both the band’s characteristic electronic style and the greater personal understanding each member has cultivated during their period separated.
- The latest album marks Chvrches’ debut full-length offering since 2021’s Screen Violence
- Lauren Mayberry’s solo endeavours informed her artistic vision for the band’s forthcoming album
- The group has not yet announced an official release date for their next album
