Alvvays - Alvvays

It seems inevitable that I would fall in love with this album.  It had a few obstacles to overcome, including the fact that I hadn't previously heard of this Toronto-based band, and I am not fond of misspelled names (weird, rude and nonsensical names are just fine, of course).  But I was mollified on one of those points when I learned that a "w" was changed to two "v"s to avoid a conflict with another band named Always, and they wanted the visual similarity and insist on pronouncing Alvvays as always.  Moreover, I'd read some very positive statements about the band from sources I trust, so I gave it a chance.

And my firm conclusion is that all guitar pop fans should give this self-titled release a chance, because it is everything a good guitar pop album should be.  The hooks are infectious and plentiful.  Frontwoman Molly Rankin's vocals have the tone and emotional weight of Tracyanne Campbell (Camera Obscura), and the power of Wendy Morgan (The Popguns).  And the arrangements are robust, fully realized, and determinedly sunny -- it is like Glasgow guitar pop on happy pills, or perhaps on a summer holiday to the coast.  You know, the themes can be melancholy and a bit sad, but that doesn't mean the music has to bring you down. There is a hint of nostalgia in some of the '60s era melodies and surfy touches, but it all has a natural and cohesive feel.

So, jangling guitars, sturdy basslines, well crafted songs with some wry humor, great melodies, and standout vocals.  It sounds like summer to me, and it sounds like a highly recommended summer album for you.

Alvvays consists of Molly Rankin, Kerri MacLellen, Alec O'Hanley, Brian Murphy and Philip MacIsaac.  Alvvays is out now via Polyvinyl.





Canadian and European fans can see Alvvays live on tour now.  The remaining dates are:
Jul 25 Guelph, ON @ Hillside Music Fest
Jul 26 Guelph, ON @ Hillside Music Fest
Aug 9 Kingston, ON @ Wolfe Island Festival
Aug 16 Montreal, QC @ La Vitrola
Oct 20 Cambridge, UK @ Junction
Oct 21 Liverpool, UK @ Kazimier
Oct 22 Dublin, Ireland @ O2 Academy
Oct 24 Birmingham, UK @ The Institute
Oct 25 Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club
Oct 26 Newcastle, UK @ Riverside
Oct 28 Brighton, UK @ Komedia
Oct 29 London, UK @ Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Aug 5 London, UK @ Birthdays Presented by DIY Mag
Aug 6 London, UK  @ Rough Trade East

Website
Facebook
Twitter
Polyvinyl Records