Chvrches have performed live once again for the first time in nearly three years, marking a notable milestone for the Scottish synth-pop trio. The band took to the stage Friday night at the Royal Albert Hall in London as part of Robert Smith’s Teenage Cancer Trust concert series, which also included Garbage, My Bloody Valentine, and Elbow. During their set, the group introduced a new song titled “Conman,” giving the audience an exclusive first hearing to material from their forthcoming record. Singer Lauren Mayberry spoke about the song 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 Joyful Homecoming After Years Apart
The Royal Albert Hall show marked a triumphant return for Chvrches, whose last album, Screen Violence, was came out in 2021. The years in between saw major shifts within the band, especially for frontwoman Lauren Mayberry, who announced her departure in 2023 to focus on solo work. Despite this change, the reunion demonstrates that the group’s creative partnership remains strong and appreciated. The intimate nature of the Teenage Cancer Trust benefit concert provided an ideal setting for such a meaningful comeback, allowing the band to engage with their audience in a prestigious London venue.
Mayberry’s individual projects have clearly enriched her artistic vision and shaped the band’s new direction. She unveiled her first solo record, Vicious Creature, in December 2024, followed by a full touring schedule throughout 2025. Speaking to NME about her decision to branch out, she explained that certain lyrical concepts and themes required a personal voice rather than the group approach of Chvrches. This separation has clearly allowed her to explore artistic ground that wouldn’t suit within the band’s signature style, ultimately improving the material she brings back to the group.
- Last album Screen Violence released in 2021
- Mayberry launched solo project starting in 2023
- Solo LP Vicious Creature dropped December 2024
- Band announced fresh material in development last summer
Exposing ‘Conman’ to a Trapped Audience
The Instance of Unveiling
The unveiling of “Conman” marked a significant turning point for Chvrches, offering dedicated listeners their initial look of the group’s artistic development following their prolonged break. Mayberry’s candid address to the Royal Albert Hall crowd achieved an ideal equilibrium between modest self-critique and genuine excitement, acknowledging the extended period between full-length projects whilst generating excitement for what was to come. Her confirmation that the band had actually continued working during their time away—rather than simply retreating from public visibility—provided reassurance to fans who had wondered about the group’s future trajectory and focus on upcoming work.
The choice to premiere “Conman” at such a prestigious charitable event lent considerable gravitas to the moment. By selecting the Teenage Cancer Trust benefit concert as the venue for introducing new songs, Chvrches demonstrated their willingness to use their platform for meaningful causes whilst simultaneously honouring 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 not previously played 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 introduction of “Conman” signals that Chvrches’ new release will probably reflect the musical evolution and experimentation that Mayberry pursued during her solo project. Though the band has remained characteristically tight-lipped about release timelines and further information regarding the upcoming record, the availability of recorded songs indicates that fans are unlikely to experience an extended wait for a complete album. The single’s launch at such a prestigious occasion reflects the band’s faith in their fresh approach and their enthusiasm for advancing with this new phase, blending the collective identity Chvrches have built with the new viewpoints their members have developed during their time apart.
Lauren Mayberry’s solo journey and return
Lauren Mayberry’s move to depart from Chvrches in 2023 constituted a significant juncture in her creative trajectory, one that eventually resulted in a greater insight of her own creative voice. The Scottish vocalist’s solo album, Vicious Creature, released in December 2024, delivered a transparent view into her artistic output beyond the band format of the synth-pop group. Throughout 2025, she performed widely in promotion of the solo project, rebuilding relationships with audiences on a deeper, more personal basis and cementing her status as a accomplished solo musician in her own right. This period of independence was creatively crucial, enabling her to investigate subject matter and lyrical ground that might not have found natural expression within Chvrches’ recognised style.
The reunion at the Royal Albert Hall constituted much more than a simple comeback with the band; it symbolised a harmonisation of Mayberry’s personal creative aspirations and her enduring connection to Chvrches’ shared artistic direction. Rather than regarding her solo venture as a departure or rejection of the group, Mayberry has framed it as a necessary evolution that has enriched her understanding of herself as an artist. The experience of writing and presenting Vicious Creature on her own seems to have reinvigorated her approach to composition and live delivery, bringing renewed energy and vision to the band’s collaborative efforts. Her willingness to return to Chvrches with this recently developed certainty points to a improved harmony and contentment in their creative relationship moving forward.
Developing Her Unique Voice
When discussing her solo work with NME, Mayberry disclosed that specific lyrical ideas and creative approaches simply could not be accommodated within Chvrches’ established framework. She explained that some material demanded a single storytelling perspective rather than the collective perspective that defines the band’s output. This distinction proved crucial to her creative growth, as it enabled her to examine vulnerability, personal experiences, and thematic territory that might have felt incongruous with Chvrches’ musical character. The solo album became a necessary outlet for personal creativity that went beyond the band’s collective framework.
Mayberry’s explanation of this artistic differentiation underscores a common challenge encountered by participants in accomplished ensembles: the balance between individual artistic vision and collective identity. By recognising that she continues as the narrator within Chvrches whilst at the same time requiring the opportunity to express a wholly personal perspective, Mayberry displayed nuanced understanding about her place within the band. Her solo project wasn’t an act of rebellion but rather a enriching pursuit that in the end improves her involvement in Chvrches. This development of her artistic thinking implies that the new album will gain from the clarity and confidence she has gained through her period apart.
What Lies Ahead for the Scottish Synth-Pop Legends
Whilst Chvrches have offered tantalising previews of their upcoming album, the band remains characteristically tight-lipped about release timelines and additional material. The Royal Albert Hall show served as a meticulously planned reintroduction, communicating to fans and industry observers alike that the group’s creative momentum 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 unfinished tracks—struck a genuinely relatable quality that connected with attendees. The intentional decision to debut “Conman” at such a esteemed, cause-driven venue underscored the importance of this moment for the band’s direction.
The reunion also reflects a broader shift in how Chvrches aims to work moving forward, conceivably introducing a more viable framework that accommodates individual personal projects alongside joint ventures. Rather than insisting on full involvement from all members, this developed strategy recognises the creative benefits of letting members develop solo projects. For Mayberry specifically, her experience with Vicious Creature appears to have offered essential perspective and renewed enthusiasm for Chvrches’ signature style. As the group continues developing their new album, fans can expect a project informed by both the band’s distinctive sonic approach and the enhanced self-awareness each member has gained during their spell away.
- The latest album marks 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 confirmed launch date for their next album
