Lauren Mayberry (solo) & Alaska Reid at August Hall

by Jon Bauer

Lauren Mayberry has been the face of the Scottish synth-pop band CHVRCHΞS for 12 years! The band’s three members have made four extremely inspired and catchy dance albums.

To everyone’s surprise, Lauren is now venturing out as a solo artist, but not the way that most artists do. She’s touring without first releasing an album. So far, as a solo artist – she’s released one piano heavy ballad that sounds nothing like CHVRCHES – a song called “Are You Awake.”

For her show at August Hall, she told the crowd that she had two depressing slow songs, and then the rest have a “bit of pep.” They sure did! She played many songs that are assumed to be on the upcoming solo album, and even played an upbeat cover of Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” to a loving crowd.

I’m excited what Lauren Mayberry will do with her new solo career. Was fantastic to see this performance in a smaller and more intimate venue than what a CHVRCHES show would be playing. I have a feeling that these small venues won’t hold the kinds of crowds that she’ll be soon attracting.

Opening for Lauren was indie singer-songwriter Alaska Reid, who flew out to play this show at the last minute. She warmed up the crowd with her guitar and played songs from her recent LP, Disenchanter.