Returning to a sold out Brudenell Social Club, shortly after their prelude supporting Real Estate, Toronto five-piece Alvvays have a tremendously distinctive sound. Built upon layers of reverb, dashes of surf guitar and front woman Molly Rankin’s almost effortlessly melancholic vocals. This was more than enough to justify their slot at the top of the bill this time around. They were supported by the also impressive Moon King, who offer a significantly dreamier, ethereal sound to that of Alvvays.
Despite this being the first gig I’ve ever attended by myself, I immediately settled in during Rankin’s exceedingly sweet on-stage chit-chat full of Chumbawumba references and understated anecdotes. The opener, ‘Your Type’, was a boisterous two minute track in which Rankin showcased the jagged side to her vocal range accompanied by guitar that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Best Coast record. However, as expected ‘Archie, Marry Me’ was one of the highlights of the set; an infectious, blissfully simple pop song full of sentiment which had all members of the audience, young and old, crying out the chorus. Shortly after, an equally notable rendition of Deerhunter’s ‘Nosebleed’ rang out before Rankin charmingly clarified to some confused audience members that it “wasn’t even one of our songs.”
After listening to Alvvays on many a grim commute to university, it was genuinely such a pleasure to know that when it comes to performing live, they rise above all expectations. Their eclectic array of heartbreakingly sincere lyrics, unexpected covers, and idyllic guitars made for an exceedingly impressive set which leaves me, amongst many others, eagerly anticipating their next tour.
Josh Bayat