Alvvays is a band that is easy to classify. They are a pop band that dabbles with elements of indie rock and twee. A plethora of bands like this exist; relentless sentimentality mixed into twang-y sounding guitars and wailing vocals that usually sing of heartbreak. What makes Alvvays different, however, is the strong songwriting abilities of Molly Rankin, the band’s lead singer, and the rest of the crew.
Their approach to writing music is developing strong melodies, which is a sentiment Rankin has stated in the past with their other records. It seems as though they hold this approach to heart, as “Blue Rev” contains some of the Canadian band’s catchiest melodies.
“Belinda Says,” the third single released from the album, emphasizes its chorus in the midst of hazy and noisy guitars, with Rankin singing “Paradise and I find myself paralyzed/Knowing all too well terrified/But I’ll find my way.” The chaotic, but catchy, instrumental fits in well with the lyrics, which contemplates the hectic process of becoming an adult.
This tune also shows how the band nabbed some influence from shoegaze, a genre of rock music defined by blurring instruments together to create one gigantic collage of noise. The band’s second full-length release, “Antisocialites,” and their eponymous first album had only minute hints of shoegaze, but they finally embraced the genre to its fullest extent. Rankin’s soft vocal delivery contrasts itself very well with this busy and, at times, loud style of production.
Another highlight of the tracklist is “Tom Verlaine,” named after the frontman of New York proto-punk band Television. One interpretation of the lyrics can be about a failing relationship that the singer can’t get away from, no matter how bad their partner is. The chorus goes “W https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/uatrav.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/66/e660850e-4901-11ed-8c1f-2b129017cfc0/6344c3f08fc62.image.jpg?resize=870%2C870 hen you walk away/Better be for good,” which is sung beautifully by Rankin.
The rest of the tracklist contains memorable moments, like the wailing guitars on the absurdly fun “Pomeranian Spinster” and the wonderfully majestic strings in “Tile By Tile.” The only lowlight of the listing is “Lottery Noises,” mainly due to a slow start that doesn’t pay off very well. The track is still rather nice overall with some wonderful guitar tones and impactful drums.
Alvvays continue to churn out easy to love pop tunes that seem like the only songs that matter in the moment listeners hear them. When they are over, it’s an emotional crash that can only be fixed by listening to “Blue Rev” again.
Alex Ross
Alex Rossis a third-year Communication student at Lock Haven with a focus in Journalism. This is his second year as an active member of the Eagle Eye and has been the Arts and Entertainment editor, News editor, and an active writer. He focuses on writing reviews for the A&E section, but has written stories for news, sports, and opinions. Outside of the newsroom, Alex enjoys record shopping, reading classic literature, and analyzing films. Alex hopes to work for a film or music news site as a writer or editor after graduation.
