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Biography
Prior to forming Alvvays, lead vocalist Molly Rankin had always taken a keen interest in music; strongly influenced by her father John Morris Rankin – member of the Canadian musical family group, The Rankin Family. Molly Rankin subsequently teamed up with keyboardist, friend and childhood next-door neighbour, Kerri Maclellan, and the two begun playing music together. After meeting a concert during their teenage years, Rankin and Maclellan invited guitarist Alec O’Hanley to join in on their practice sessions and whom later became a full-time member.
In 2010 Rankin issued a solo EP “She”, recorded with O’Hanley on guitar duties. Whilst failing to cause a stir in the indie-pop world, Rankin had gained some invaluable recording and live performance experience and subsequently formed Alvvays. Featuring Rankin, Maclallen, O’Hanley, bassist Brian Murphy and drummer PhilMacIssac, the group toured extensively in support of Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Peter, Bjorn and John. This period of touring did wonders for the group’s exposure and allowed Alvvays to test out new material before heading to the studio.
After signing with Royal Mountain Records in Canada, the group headed to Chad VanGaalen’s record studio in Calgary to record their debut. Released in July 2014, the band’s self-titled release earned a string of rave reviews from the critical press and topped the U.S. College Charts in August 2014. Also featuring production from Holy Fuck’s Graham Walsh and John Agnello, the record introduced the band to a huge international audience, aided by the singles “Archie, Marry Me”, “Adult Diversion”, “Next of Kin”, and “Party Police”. The record was supported by not stop touring of North American and Europe including shows at SXSW, Glastonbury and Osheaga.
Live reviews
I was curious as to how the album would translate live. I'm pleased to report that the sound was great, the vocals stood out in the mix and the band played with some real gusto. As a fan of the band, what more can you want? Alvvays' music is heartfelt, melancholic, and they seem to be taking what they do very seriously, so I didn't expect any onstage gimmicks or the like. Instead, the band came across as friendly and grateful for the opportunity to be playing London. Well done, guys, I wish you all the success in the world!
Ralfo
I've watched a few radio station promo recordings of Alvvays and thought the show would be equally subdued.
It was not. The band was tight and energetic. They ripped thru the set with a bit of witty banter. The crowd was wild, racous and I had way more fun than I expected. Every song is a hit and I hope they keep it up for years to come. They bring a deeply personal originality to their weird brand of edgy pop songwriting, which is a far cry from a lot of the overly referential indie bands out there today. Go see em.
timothy-charles-robe
They are SO good live. Some people don't like their stage banter, but I think it's so cute and quaint. I brought along a friend of mine who didn't really know them, but he was super into them as soon as they started playing. Molly is just as adorable live as in pictures and for some reason I felt starstruck being in the same room as her. I've only seen them once, but at least at the show I went to, the whole crowd was so lively and dance-y, which made it even more fun. One of my favorite concerts.
paysen.cole16
Alvvays' Scala gig was dreamy, quirky and cute-- never mind the mini breaks that were taken to fix guitar strings/ tune guitars. Molly kept the crowd engaged and the energy up and her voice is Amazing live (as well as the accompanying harmonies). The projected psychedelic-1970s visuals which accompanied the songs were topped the the oh-too-short set! Great things await Alvvays!
Shuwen
These guys were spot-on, and the mix was so good I wanted to thank their sound guy on my way out (but he left right before I got to him in the line out the door). This is a professional outfit.
Molly was charming and warm, and Molly and Alec banter like siblings.
Although there were many high points, for me, "Forget About Life" was rapturous.
Very highly recommended.
abatty
The band is great, tight, faultless delivering shimmering twee pop.
TOP CLASS.
The mix was drowning into ultra low bass shit.
This is indie and extra low bass leave it to hip hop and other genres.
The venue was poor and oversold.
It should be good to control better the quality of the venues and the greedy promoters.
fab4fab
I saw them on Tokio Marine Hall in São Paulo, Brazil and waas my first concert ever. They're amazing, the crowd was singing in each song and the band was feeling the energy, with a big smile on the face, Molly was so charismatic and cute, i had a amazing night and i certainly believe they too.
Leo_Nouz
I LOOOOOOOVE IT i have seen a lot of video on youtube that live performance by Alvvays is not as in the album, & the impression that since it was their last performance on tour, they had learn about the technical thingy so i think it was the best. Good luck for everything & see you soon x
Auroses
Well worth coming out for. The sound at the venue was off for the first half of the set, too little guitar, but they did eventually get it right. They played almost exclusively from the excellent net album. I'll definitely see them again.
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