Chvrches have performed live once again for the first instance after nearly three years, marking a important occasion 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 unveiled a brand new track titled “Conman,” giving the audience an exclusive first hearing to material from their upcoming album. Singer Lauren Mayberry spoke about 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 Joyful Homecoming After Decades Apart
The Royal Albert Hall concert marked a successful comeback for Chvrches, whose last album, Screen Violence, was released in 2021. The intervening years saw major shifts within the band, especially for frontwoman Lauren Mayberry, who announced her departure in 2023 to pursue a solo career. Despite this development, the comeback demonstrates that the group’s artistic collaboration remains strong and appreciated. The intimate nature of the Teenage Cancer Trust benefit concert provided an perfect venue for such a significant return, allowing the band to reconnect with fans in a renowned London location.
Mayberry’s individual projects have clearly enriched her artistic vision and contributed to the band’s new direction. She unveiled her first solo record, Vicious Creature, in December 2024, with a comprehensive tour 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 collective narrative of Chvrches. This distinction has evidently enabled her to explore artistic ground that wouldn’t suit within the band’s signature style, in turn strengthening the work she contributes to the group.
- Last album Screen Violence released in 2021
- Mayberry launched solo project beginning in 2023
- Solo LP Vicious Creature dropped December 2024
- Band confirmed new music being worked on during summer
Exposing ‘Conman’ to a Held Audience
The Point of Discovery
The unveiling of “Conman” constituted a watershed moment for Chvrches, providing loyal supporters their initial look of the group’s artistic development since their extended hiatus. Mayberry’s honest words to the Royal Albert Hall audience achieved an ideal equilibrium between self-deprecation and real anticipation, addressing the extended period between recorded releases whilst generating excitement for the future. Her declaration that the band had genuinely remained active during their period of absence—rather than merely withdrawing from the public eye—gave confidence to supporters who had been uncertain about the group’s future trajectory and dedication to fresh releases.
The choice to premiere “Conman” at such a prominent philanthropic 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 commitment to use their profile for meaningful causes whilst simultaneously honouring the dedicated fanbase who had remained loyal through years of uncertainty. Mayberry’s humble request for the crowd’s understanding and compassion, given that the band had never performed the track before a paying crowd, created an intimate atmosphere that went beyond the grandeur of the historic venue and cultivated genuine rapport between performers and spectators.
The release of “Conman” suggests that Chvrches’ upcoming album will probably demonstrate the musical evolution and creative exploration that Mayberry investigated during her solo venture. Though the band has remained characteristically tight-lipped about launch schedules and other specifics about the upcoming record, the presence of completed tracks suggests that fans may not face an extended wait for a finished work. The single’s launch at such a prestigious occasion reflects the band’s faith in their fresh approach and their desire to progress with this new phase, merging the shared sound Chvrches have cultivated with the innovative ideas their members have developed during their break from the band.
Lauren Mayberry’s solo journey and comeback
Lauren Mayberry’s choice to leave Chvrches in 2023 represented a significant juncture in her professional journey, one that ultimately led to a greater insight of her own creative expression. The Scottish singer’s solo album, Vicious Creature, launched in December 2024, offered a transparent view into her artistic output beyond the group structure 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 establishing herself as a powerful solo performer in her own right. This stretch of autonomy was creatively crucial, letting her delve into thematic areas and lyrical spaces that could not have achieved organic articulation within Chvrches’ defined sound.
The reunion at the Royal Albert Hall constituted much more than a simple comeback with the band; it reflected a reconciliation between Mayberry’s solo artistic goals and her lasting bond to Chvrches’ collective vision. Rather than viewing her solo venture as a turning away of the group, Mayberry has framed it as a vital progression that has deepened her comprehension of herself as an artist. The experience of writing and presenting Vicious Creature solo evidently has refreshed her method to songwriting and performance, bringing renewed energy and insight to the band’s joint creative work. Her openness to coming back to Chvrches with this newfound confidence indicates a more balanced, fulfilled creative partnership going ahead.
Uncovering Her Own Voice
When talking about her solo work with NME, Mayberry revealed that certain lyrical concepts and artistic directions simply could not be accommodated within Chvrches’ existing structure. She explained that some material demanded a singular narrative voice rather than the shared viewpoint that defines the band’s output. This difference proved crucial to her creative growth, as it allowed her to explore vulnerability, personal experiences, and thematic territory that might have felt incongruous with Chvrches’ musical character. The solo album served as a necessary outlet for self-expression that went beyond the band’s collaborative boundaries.
Mayberry’s explanation of this creative distinction illustrates a common challenge experienced by participants in accomplished ensembles: the conflict between personal creative expression and group cohesion. By accepting that she remains the storyteller within Chvrches whilst at the same time requiring room to speak from a purely personal standpoint, Mayberry displayed nuanced understanding about her place within the band. Her independent work wasn’t an act of rebellion but rather a complementary exploration that ultimately enhances her involvement in Chvrches. This development of her musical perspective indicates that the forthcoming release will profit from the clarity and confidence she has gained through her period apart.
What The Future Holds for the Scottish Synth-Pop Icons
Whilst Chvrches have provided tantalising previews of their new material, the band remains typically tight-lipped about launch schedules and extra tracks. The Royal Albert Hall concert served as a meticulously planned reintroduction, indicating to fans and sector commentators alike that the group’s artistic output remains fully functional. Lauren Mayberry’s honest comments to the audience—acknowledging both the concerns regarding their evolving sound and the authentic enthusiasm of sharing unfinished tracks—struck a notably human tone that struck a chord with attendees. The deliberate choice to debut “Conman” at such a high-profile, philanthropic venue underscored the significance of this moment for the band’s evolution.
The reunion also reflects a broader change in the way Chvrches plans to function moving forward, potentially establishing a more enduring approach that allows for individual artistic pursuits alongside joint ventures. Rather than demanding total commitment from all members, this evolved approach acknowledges the creative benefits of letting members develop solo projects. For Mayberry specifically, her involvement with Vicious Creature appears to have offered essential perspective and renewed enthusiasm for Chvrches’ characteristic aesthetic. As the group keeps working on their new album, fans can anticipate a project informed by both the band’s signature electronic sensibilities and the enhanced self-awareness each member has cultivated during their time apart.
- The latest album represents Chvrches’ first full-length project 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 forthcoming release
