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 played at 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 preview to material from their forthcoming record. Singer Lauren Mayberry presented the track to the crowd, acknowledging the milestone with wit and honesty, saying: “I promise I’m not just inside watching telly all the time, we have been making a record.”
A Triumphant Homecoming After Decades Away
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 announced her departure in 2023 to pursue a solo career. Despite this change, the comeback demonstrates that the group’s creative partnership remains intact and valued. The personal feel of the Teenage Cancer Trust benefit concert offered an ideal setting for such a meaningful comeback, allowing the band to engage with their audience in a renowned London location.
Mayberry’s solo work have clearly enriched her artistic vision and contributed to the band’s evolving sound. She released her debut solo album, Vicious Creature, in December 2024, with a full touring schedule across 2025. Speaking to NME about her choice to pursue solo work, she noted that specific songwriting ideas required a individual perspective rather than the collective narrative of Chvrches. This distinction has evidently allowed her to venture into creative territory that might not fit inside the band’s signature style, in turn strengthening the work she contributes to the group.
- Last album Screen Violence released in 2021
- Mayberry pursued solo project starting in 2023
- Solo LP Vicious Creature dropped December 2024
- Band announced fresh material in development during summer
Revealing ‘Conman’ to a Held Audience
The Point of Discovery
The unveiling of “Conman” represented a watershed moment for Chvrches, offering dedicated listeners their first glimpse of the band’s creative evolution following their prolonged break. Mayberry’s frank remarks to the Royal Albert Hall audience maintained an excellent balance between self-deprecation and genuine excitement, addressing the prolonged interval between full-length projects whilst heightening expectation for the future. Her declaration that the band had actually continued working during their break from the spotlight—rather than merely withdrawing from public visibility—gave confidence to fans who had questioned about the ensemble’s path forward and dedication to fresh releases.
The choice to premiere “Conman” at such a prominent philanthropic event added significant weight to the moment. By choosing the Teenage Cancer Trust charity concert as the venue for unveiling fresh material, Chvrches demonstrated their commitment to use their profile for important charitable work whilst also rewarding the loyal fan community who had stayed committed through prolonged periods of doubt. Mayberry’s humble request for the audience’s patience and kindness, given that the band had never performed the track before a live audience, fostered an personal ambiance that transcended the grandeur of the historic venue and cultivated genuine rapport between performers and spectators.
The release of “Conman” indicates that Chvrches’ forthcoming record will probably reflect the musical evolution and experimentation that Mayberry investigated during her solo venture. Though the band has remained characteristically tight-lipped about release timelines and additional details regarding the new album, the existence of finished material implies that fans are unlikely to experience an extended wait for a finished work. The track’s premiere at such a high-profile event demonstrates the band’s faith in their fresh approach and their enthusiasm for advancing with this new phase, combining the collective identity Chvrches have developed with the fresh perspectives their members have developed during their break from the band.
Lauren Mayberry’s solo career and comeback
Lauren Mayberry’s choice to leave Chvrches in 2023 constituted a pivotal moment in her professional journey, one that finally brought about a deeper understanding of her own artistic identity. The Scottish singer’s solo album, Vicious Creature, launched in December 2024, delivered a candid window into her artistry separate from the band format of the synth-pop group. Throughout 2025, she toured extensively in support of the solo project, engaging with audiences on a closer, more individual footing and establishing herself as a powerful solo performer in her own right. This time of self-direction became artistically vital, enabling her to investigate themes and lyrical territories that might not have found authentic voice within Chvrches’ established aesthetic.
The reunion at the Royal Albert Hall represented far more than a simple comeback with the band; it symbolised a resolution of tensions between Mayberry’s individual artistic ambitions and her enduring connection to Chvrches’ unified creative purpose. Rather than regarding her solo venture as a turning away of the group, Mayberry has described it as a vital progression that has enriched her understanding of herself as an artist. The experience of writing and presenting Vicious Creature solo seems to have refreshed her method to musical creation and stage work, introducing revitalised momentum and perspective to the band’s joint creative work. Her willingness to return to Chvrches with this newfound confidence indicates a more balanced, fulfilled creative partnership moving forward.
Developing Her Unique Voice
When discussing her solo work with NME, Mayberry revealed that specific lyrical ideas and artistic directions could not easily fit within Chvrches’ existing structure. She explained that some material demanded a single storytelling perspective rather than the shared viewpoint that characterises the band’s output. This distinction proved crucial to her artistic development, as it allowed her to explore emotional depth, lived experiences, and subject matter that might have felt incongruous with Chvrches’ sonic identity. The solo album became a vital channel for self-expression that transcended the band’s collaborative boundaries.
Mayberry’s articulation of this artistic differentiation underscores a common challenge encountered by members of thriving collectives: the balance between individual artistic vision and shared identity. By acknowledging that she continues as the storyteller within Chvrches whilst simultaneously requiring room to speak from a wholly personal viewpoint, Mayberry revealed mature insight about her position within the band. Her individual endeavour wasn’t an act of rebellion but rather a complementary exploration that ultimately strengthens her contributions to Chvrches. This development of her artistic thinking suggests that the upcoming record will profit from the clarity and confidence she has acquired from her period apart.
What Lies Ahead for the Scottish Synth-Pop Legends
Whilst Chvrches have offered tantalising previews of their new material, the band remains notably tight-lipped about launch schedules and extra tracks. The Royal Albert Hall show served as a strategically designed reintroduction, indicating to fans and music critics alike that the group’s artistic output remains very much operational. Lauren Mayberry’s forthright observations to the audience—acknowledging both the nerves surrounding their new direction and the genuine excitement of sharing unreleased work—struck a notably human tone that connected with attendees. The strategic move to debut “Conman” at such a esteemed, cause-driven venue underscored the significance of this moment for the band’s trajectory.
The reunion also represents a broader shift in how Chvrches aims to work moving forward, possibly creating a more enduring approach that accommodates individual artistic pursuits alongside collaborative endeavours. Rather than insisting on full involvement from all members, this evolved approach acknowledges the productive value of allowing band members to explore solo projects. For Mayberry specifically, her involvement with Vicious Creature appears to have offered essential understanding and fresh energy for Chvrches’ signature style. As the group keeps working on their new album, fans can anticipate a project influenced by both the band’s distinctive sonic approach and the greater personal understanding each member has developed during their period separated.
- The new album represents Chvrches’ first full-length project since 2021’s Screen Violence
- Lauren Mayberry’s solo work informed her creative perspective for the band’s forthcoming album
- The group has not yet announced an official release date for their forthcoming release
