Lauren Mayberry Stuns Buffalo with Solo Debut
- Leo Janto
- Feb 13
- 2 min read
Best known as the frontwoman of CHVRCHES, Lauren Mayberry has stepped into her own spotlight with her debut album Vicious Creature. This tour marks a new chapter in her career, highlighting a different side of her as an artist. At her first-ever show in Buffalo, fans eagerly packed the venue, possibly unsure what to expect from her solo album performance, but by the end of the night, any doubts were gone.
Before Lauren’s set, the crowd was warmed up by the opening act, Cult of Venus. Their dark, synth-heavy sound set an atmospheric tone for the night, drawing the audience in and setting the stage for the imitate yet electrifying performance that followed after.
Lauren opened with “Crocodile Tears.” She entered the stage holding a corded telephone, a theatrical element that added to the song’s storytelling. This enhanced the song’s meaning of someone using their vulnerability as a method for manipulation by giving a visual of fractured communication.
During her set, the energy shifted between a mix of acoustic and high-energy performances. Sitting at the piano during “Are You Awake” she brought a stripped-down sincerity while other songs like “Punch Drunk” erupted the crowd into dancing along.
Between songs, Lauren’s signature charm shone through. At one point, she dedicated her song “Oh, Mother” to people with mom issues, good or bad, bringing some humor to an otherwise emotional performance. Later, she talked about how she feared she might trip on stage: “I’m not dramatic at all—just someone who covers herself in fake blood and glitter for a living,” she laughed.
Her cover of “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve was another standout, sending the crowd into cheers before her final high-energy song “Sorry, etc” that was intense, drum-heavy, and full of head-banging energy.
As she left the stage, the crowd erupted into a chant for an encore, and Lauren delivered. She returned, grinning, and said “You got me–we went into the hallway and came back.” Her final song, “Sunday Best” was a soft yet powerful closing statement, leaving the audience in awe.
Wrapping up, she promised, “Buffalo is really good, we need to come back.” Judging by the audience's reaction, Buffalo will be more than ready when she does. Check out full gallery below!
All photos by Leo Janto for Zany Waves
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