Toronto-based band Alvvays is keeping jangle pop alive. They create an extremely reverb-drenched, versatile sound that provides variety on every track but is still instantly recognizable as Alvvays.
Led by Molly Rankin on vocals and guitar, Alvvays consists of five members: Kerri MacLellan on keyboards, Alec O’Hanley on guitars, Abbey Blackwell on bass and Sheridan Riley on drums.
Alvvays emphasizes creating strong melodies rather than focusing on a specific genre. This allows for a lot of variety in each track but for their discography to be glued together by Rankin’s vocals and the bands instrumentals.
The immediately bittersweet sound created by the band is the glue that holds their discography together. As soon as Rankin begins singing on any given track, no matter how varied the sound, it becomes instantly recognizable as Alvvays.
Discography
Alvvays formed in 2011 after Rankin released her solo EP “She EP”. Their first full project was their self-titled debut album in 2014 followed by “Antisocialites” in 2017. Five years later, they are releasing their third album, “Blue Rev“, on October 7.
If you are in the mood for some bittersweet tunes on a rainy day, Alvvays has you covered. “Antisocialites” is a great place to start if you’re in the mood for an entire album.
“Antisocialites” is Alvvays’ sound honed like a sharpened sword. It’s jangly, guitar-driven and supported by sharp keyboard and drum patterns.
“Archie, Marry Me”, “Your Type”, or “Easy On Your Own?” are excellent starting places if you don’t have the energy for a full album. These tracks will instantly hook you on the bands sound and highlight each of their projects.
Their self-titled debut is not easily recognized as a debut album. “Alvvays” set the benchmark for Alvvays’ crisp sound that they have continued to live up to for almost ten years.
Their new singles for “Blue Rev” are promising a continued expansion of the sounds Alvvays encompasses. The tracks have that crisp, guitar-driven jangliness that can expected by Alvvays but bring in a pronounced Shoegaze element.
Conclusion
Each Alvvays song provides something unique to the band’s discography. This is a truly versatile band that can’t help but make a catchy song for a rainy day.
After a long five years, they are finally releasing their third album. Based on the singles, it is seemingly going to live up to the hype that has been culminated over time.
Alvvays starts touring in the United States on October 14 and “Blue Rev” releases October 7.
