Alvvays may be just another annoying band name in the vein of Wavves, but it’s the stand-out irritant on this straight-up, no-nonsense debut. While innovation is in short supply, the pop smarts from this Canadian five-piece are undeniable.
Cloying marriage proposal songs of the past get satisfyingly swept aside by the casual, hook-laden chorus of Marry Me Archie. For many, this irresistible number will be the way in to the rest of the album, forming part of a cluster of early-album jangle-fests that are carefree and uptempo even when they’re lyrically addressing drowned lovers (on Next of Kin).
The inevitable slide into minor-key material pitches clandestine forces against brash, romantic ideals, evident in the titles Party Police and The Agency Group. It’s odd, yet compelling, to suddenly land on Mars for the final song – Red Planet is a spooky synth ballad that hints at more than the sunny-sad jams mastered on the majority of the album.
Alvvays is the kind of charm-laden, sun-kissed music that’s tempting to save for summer… if you have any luck leaving it on reserve after your first listen.
BY CHRIS GIRDLER
Best Track: Archie, Marry Me
If You Like These, You’ll Love This: Hospitality HOSPITALITY, Crazy For You BEST COAST, Biggest Bluest Hi Fi CAMERA OBSCURA
In A Word: Revvarding
