Poster art by Mez Data
One of the first things I did once I got into Austin for SXSW was attend a session on “The Women’s Evolution in WWE and Beyond” wherein the panelists (Charlotte Flair, Stephanie McMahon and Paul “Triple H” Levesque) discussed how women wrestlers were coming to the forefront within the WWE. And while it may seem like a stretch to equate the likes of Flair or Rhonda Rousey with diminutive Chvrches singer Lauren Mayberry, I got a similar sort of “this woman will take no prisoners” vibe from Mayberry’s performance at Antone’s as part of the Capitol One House later that night.
Aside from worrying about whether playing at a bank sponsored show meant she would have to do maths, Mayberry also commented on the size of the venue and how they can’t really play smaller venues like this anymore. “That sounds like a humblebrag,” she said, but it is also absolutely true – the band’s sound and their show seem much bigger than what the relatively small stage at Antone’s can hold. As Lauren Mayberry moved about that stage, making big dramatic gestures and occasionally twirling around, she proved that while she is by no means a pro wrestler, her personalty and energy while performing can fill much larger stages.
I’ve seen Chvrches a few times over the years, dating back to when they first played SXSW six years ago and in that time, they have only continued to get more and more impressive. They are always a delight to see live.