Alvvays-Alvvays Album Review

Alvvays Toronto based indie-pop sensations, have released their debut LP and it is nothing less than spectacular. It's been a long journey front woman Molly Rankin, from the small province of Nova Scotia, but she is no stranger to the music scene, from a family of musicians more formally "The Rankin Family" a Canadian Folk group. Its been 4 years since Molly's solo project 'She' EP bringing her minimal success, except on the Nova Scotia club scene. This is what lead to her and long time friends Kerri MacLellan (Keyboards) and Alec O'Hanley (Guitar) to try their luck in Toronto, and with the help of Phill Maclssac (drummer) and Brian Murphey (Bassist) a year later Alvvays was born. The Album was made in Calgary with producer Chad VanGaalen in March 2013, and has lead to the band finding a slot at Glastonbury 2015.

'Adult Diversions' the first single released by the band opens the album, the song following the life of someone who carries an unhealthy obsession over someone, constantly following them, taking this topic and turning it into an upbeat sing along pop-song. "Archie, Marry Me" the standout track on this album, becoming a minor hit, and a recognizable track world wide. The song begins with the sounds of birds whistling in the distance, and a simple 60's like guitar, until it all comes to life over Molly's euphoric "You've expressed explicitly, the song within seconds becomes a classic. The lyrics "Hey! Hey! Marry Me Archie" simple but powerful, without intent.

Molly's unique writing gives this debut album an extra kick, the lyrics coming from someone who's obviously gone through tough relationships, but instead of writing depressing love songs, Molly turns them into upbeat pop tunes. 'Ones Who Love You' and 'Agency Group' slow down the pace and get us in our feelings with lyrics like "Lie to the ones who loved you", taking advantage of someone who loves you.

'Next of Kin' and 'Atop a Cake" are love stories told in an unfamiliar fashion, with no happy endings. 'Next of Kin' is musically well produced, the drums being the leader of the track, and the guitar riffs following the beat of the drums. The story being told in the song is one of someone who is in a relationship with someone who doesn't see the same future, "I left my love in the river", a metaphor for leaving her love drowning and moving on for the better of herself. "Atop a cake" following the same idea of a love that isn't felt by both sides, "You like us on top of a cake, but you won't let me take a bite".  It's these corky but simple lyrics that complete this album.

"Party Police" the hidden gem on this album, the song is different from the rest of the album, by the way it is composed, its a mix of both the sad and happy of this album. A crying like chorus Rankin begging whoever the song was written to not to leave. The song brings feeling to any heart, anyone being able to relate the serenity and peace Molly is singing for. The break downs of song and the little instrumentation gives more focus to the voice of Molly, and when all the instruments cut out a shy Rankin sings out " You don't have to leave, you can just stay here with me, forget all the party police, we can find comfort in debauchery", Alvvays become more than just an indie band, but poets of music.

This album does itself justice on all levels, and speaks for all of Toronto's Music scene, the future is bright for Molly and Co, breaking through on the international level is hard but they have found a way to do so. An album that soothes the hearts of many youngsters around the world, the focus for number two will be a delicious surprise.


8/10