Alvvays - ‘Blue Rev’

Sound expansion and exploration within already well-established bands is not always welcomed by long terms fan. In the rat race to stay current, substance is often lost, redesigning the wheel in an attempt to turn out tunes that appeal to the masses.

However, this is not the case for Toronto’s’ five-piece sound tornado. Since their self-titled debut album (eight years ago) Alvvays have adapted their signature effervescent melodic mist into today’s musical climate without sacrificing their sweetness that everyone first got suckled on.

‘Blue Rev’ which is the third instalment follows from a five year hiatus. First track “pharmacist” firmly illustrates that time away has not been wasted. The chaotic harmony blends both vengeful riffs with Molly Rankins’ clinically cut lyrics creating the perfect package of progression and perfection.

The album encapsulates the new confidence and energy from Alvvays, fronted by Rankins’ wit and vocal range that rings through the entirety of the album. Dense layers of romanticism and catharsis are embedded with ‘velveteen’. The piercing vocals that swell from the final bars of the track emphatically pull you into the second act of the album.

From the release of the albums single ‘After the Earthquake’, it was expected that this most recent offering would be more of the much loved same from the band. On the surface level it is. Without more in-depth dissection - Alvvays have plated up jingle jangle guitars, breathy vocals and a dream like state that you’re happy to drown in.

Listening deeper you’ll hear the maturity in middle 8’s and bridges that are reminiscent to the Pixies’ quiet-loud-quiet technique. There are parallels to be drawn between Molly and Morrissey, her way with lyrics do not falter on one emotion but rather allow the listener to find the depth of emotion on their own.

‘Lottery noises’ towards the end of the album shows the conflict between the suffocation and defeat during a breakup but also the possibility for hope foreshadowing more fortunate luck. The sentiment created within a rhythm section made of a shared subconscious and vocals so pure that the real pain of this album is buried beneath layers of deliberate sound that its almost missed. ‘Blue Rev’ careers through insidious sadness and soothing for the soul. in a dream pop delusion that’s left open ended.

What makes this album stand out within the recent resurgence of melodic sad-girl indie is the consistency and understanding of sound that Alvvays so clearly possess. Their second album ‘anti-socialites’ showed a self-awareness and control within their mechanics, but now having spent the best part of a decade laying the foundations, their sound has been beautifully crafted into a formidable genre of its own.

Despite obstacles within its creation; including burgled demos from Mollys’ own home and flooded equipment, Alvvays have proven the power of small steps towards greatness. ‘Blue Rev’ stands to show there is beauty in evolution and devotion within creation. It’s another triumph for genuine music making.