Lauren Mayberry Shocks and Awes at the Music Factory

It’s likely that nobody in attendance at Lauren Mayberry’s Friday night concert at The Underground was looking for a lesson in profanity. However, near the end of the singer’s nearly one-hour set, there it was.

After quickly apologizing for uttering the word “shit” in passing, Mayberry digressed into a history of a certain C-word. “I tried really hard to make it through the show without saying any bad words. There are kids here,” Mayberry told the few hundred people in attendance, including a few kids peppered about with their parents. “It could have been worse, though. I could have walked out tonight and said, ‘Hi, cunts!'”

As laughter and a bit of surprise rolled through the crowd, the UK native went on, “That word’s not so bad in Scotland. In America, people are shocked. Over there, you might just say, ‘Wonder what those cunts over there are doing?'” She proceeded to give a few more examples before noting, “Well, I’ve done it now. Better (kids) learn it from me than some man though.”

Appropriately enough, the next song was “Sorry, etc.,” the final song of the Chvrches singer’s regular set — one that went through her entire debut solo album, 2024’s Vicious Creature. It was followed by a two-song encore and plenty of thanks to those in attendance.

Mayberry’s performance was much like her solo album in relation to her work with Chvrches. It was a bit more personal, a bit more relaxed, and saw her exploring a wider variety of styles.

“The guys in Chvrches would never allow this to happen,” Mayberry told the crowd after she used gaffer’s tape to fix her outfit early in the show. “I have to make sure my costume stays together, though I’ve learned over the years to make sure I’m wearing enough in case it doesn’t.”

The concert allowed Mayberry to showcase her talent as a solo artist but also make more of a connection with fans in attendance. Her vocals were sonically strong throughout the night and the music got plenty of people moving, but it was those brief moments of connection with the crowd that brought the intimacy of the smaller venue into focus.

Chvrches has played The Fillmore and Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre in the past, but hearing a story about that band’s drummer being hungover the last time they were in town and leaving a burrito on the floor of the green room may have created a stronger connection with fans than the music itself.

Cult of Venus opened the night with a 30-minute set. The solo performer uses a keyboard, guitar and vocals to create depth on top of pre-recorded tracks. The performance artist focuses more on her music than the presentation, often bathing in darkness or saturated in pink and purple lighting while letting the sounds take center stage instead, while her lyrics send a message that’s critical of social media and smartphones.

Lauren Mayberry Setlist
Crocodile Tears
Change Shapes
Mantra
Shame
Anywhere But Dancing
Punch Drunk
Something in the Air
Are You Awake?
Bittersweet Symphony
A Work of Fiction
Sorry Etc

Encore
Oh, Mother
Sunday Best

Be sure to check out Queen City Nerve’s Soundwave, Charlotte’s most comprehensive live music listing, so you don’t miss out on any shows or concerts coming up. And hell, if you’re looking for something else to do, you can check out our events page as well, which runs the gamut of things to do in Charlotte. You don’t ever have to be bored again. You can check out more of Jeff’s pics and live reviews here.