Chvrches have made their comeback on stage for the first occasion 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 listen to material from their forthcoming record. Singer Lauren Mayberry introduced 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 Following Years Apart
The Royal Albert Hall show marked a successful comeback for Chvrches, whose last album, Screen Violence, was released 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 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 ideal setting for such a meaningful comeback, allowing the band to reconnect with fans in a renowned London location.
Mayberry’s individual projects have clearly enriched her artistic vision and shaped the band’s new direction. She released her debut solo album, Vicious Creature, in December 2024, followed by a full touring schedule throughout 2025. Speaking to NME about her choice to pursue solo work, she explained that specific songwriting ideas demanded a personal voice rather than the group approach of Chvrches. This separation has evidently allowed her to venture into creative territory that might not fit inside the band’s established sound, ultimately improving the work she contributes to the group.
- Last album Screen Violence came out in 2021
- Mayberry pursued solo project beginning in 2023
- Solo LP Vicious Creature released December 2024
- Band announced new music in development last summer
Exposing ‘Conman’ to a Held Audience
The Moment of Revelation
The unveiling of “Conman” represented a pivotal point for Chvrches, providing loyal supporters their first glimpse of the band’s creative evolution since their extended hiatus. Mayberry’s honest words to the Royal Albert Hall audience maintained an excellent balance between self-deprecation and authentic enthusiasm, acknowledging the extended period between full-length projects whilst building anticipation for the future. Her confirmation that the band had genuinely remained active during their time away—rather than simply retreating from public visibility—provided reassurance to fans who had been uncertain about the band’s direction ahead and focus on upcoming work.
The decision to premiere “Conman” at such a prestigious charitable event added significant weight to the moment. By choosing the Teenage Cancer Trust benefit concert as the venue for unveiling fresh material, Chvrches demonstrated their willingness to use their profile for meaningful causes whilst simultaneously rewarding the loyal fan community who had remained loyal through years of uncertainty. Mayberry’s modest appeal 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 went beyond the grandeur of the historic venue and cultivated genuine connection between performers and spectators.
The unveiling of “Conman” signals that Chvrches’ new release will likely demonstrate the musical evolution and creative exploration that Mayberry pursued during her solo project. Though the band has stayed notably reserved about launch schedules and other specifics regarding the upcoming record, the presence of completed tracks suggests that fans won’t encounter an extended wait for a full project. The single’s launch at such a prestigious occasion indicates the band’s faith in their evolving sound 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 return
Lauren Mayberry’s choice to leave Chvrches in 2023 marked a turning point in her creative trajectory, one that ultimately led to a more profound comprehension of her own creative voice. The Scottish vocalist’s solo album, Vicious Creature, released in December 2024, provided a honest glimpse into her artistry separate from the group structure of the synth-pop group. Throughout 2025, she travelled extensively in promotion 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, letting her delve into subject matter and lyrical ground that could not have achieved natural expression within Chvrches’ defined sound.
The reunion at the Royal Albert Hall represented far more than a simple return to the band; it reflected a reconciliation between Mayberry’s individual artistic ambitions and her sustained commitment to Chvrches’ unified creative purpose. Rather than considering her solo venture as a abandonment or dismissal of the group, Mayberry has framed it as a necessary evolution that has enhanced her awareness of herself as an artist. The experience of writing and presenting Vicious Creature independently seems to have revitalised her methodology to musical creation and stage work, introducing revitalised momentum and perspective to the band’s shared projects. Her openness to coming back to Chvrches with this newfound confidence points to a improved harmony and contentment in their creative relationship going ahead.
Discovering Her Own Voice
When talking about her solo work with NME, Mayberry revealed that specific lyrical ideas and creative approaches simply could not be accommodated within Chvrches’ existing structure. She noted that some material demanded a singular narrative voice rather than the shared viewpoint that defines the band’s output. This distinction was essential to her creative growth, as it enabled her to examine 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 went beyond the band’s collaborative boundaries.
Mayberry’s articulation of this creative distinction underscores a common challenge faced by participants in accomplished ensembles: the conflict between personal creative expression and group cohesion. By acknowledging that she remains the voice within Chvrches whilst at the same time requiring room to communicate a wholly personal perspective, Mayberry demonstrated sophisticated self-awareness about her place within the band. Her individual endeavour was not an act of rebellion but rather a enriching pursuit that eventually improves her work with Chvrches. This growth in her artistic thinking suggests that the upcoming record will gain from the certainty and self-belief she has acquired from her period apart.
What Lies Ahead for the Scottish Synth-Pop Icons
Whilst Chvrches have shared tantalising glimpses of their new material, the band remains typically tight-lipped about launch schedules and extra tracks. The Royal Albert Hall performance served as a carefully orchestrated reintroduction, indicating to fans and sector commentators alike that the group’s artistic output remains very much operational. Lauren Mayberry’s honest comments to the audience—acknowledging both the nerves surrounding their fresh approach and the authentic enthusiasm of sharing new songs—struck a genuinely relatable quality that struck a chord with attendees. The strategic move to debut “Conman” at such a esteemed, cause-driven venue underscored the weight of this moment for the band’s direction.
The reunion also represents a broader change in the way Chvrches plans to function moving forward, potentially establishing a more viable framework that accommodates individual artistic pursuits alongside joint ventures. Rather than requiring complete dedication from all members, this refined method acknowledges the creative benefits of allowing band members to explore solo projects. For Mayberry specifically, her involvement with Vicious Creature appears to have given essential perspective and renewed enthusiasm for Chvrches’ signature style. As the group continues developing their new album, fans can look forward to a project influenced by both the band’s signature electronic sensibilities and the deeper self-knowledge each member has gained during their time apart.
- The new album marks Chvrches’ debut full-length offering since 2021’s Screen Violence
- Lauren Mayberry’s solo endeavours informed her artistic vision for the band’s upcoming record
- The group has not yet announced an confirmed launch date for their next album
