Alvvays

Blue Rev Alvvays

Alvvays never intended to spend five years completing their third album, the lovable Blue Rev . In fact, the band started working on the songs shortly after releasing Antisocialites in 2017, the amazing second record that confirmed the Toronto quintet's status as one of the greatest indie rock acts of this generation.

In addition to global shutdowns, both ordinary and completely unpredictable circumstances caused problems during the new sessions. Alvvays toured more than expected, which naturally became a stumbling block for new songs as the band doesn't write on the road. A thief then broke into singer Molly Rankin's apartment and swiped a recorder filled with demos, a day before a flooded basement nearly destroyed all of the band's equipment. Additionally, due to closed borders, they couldn't for months rehearse with their new drummer Sheridan Riley and bassist Abbey Blackwel.

At least the five-year wait was well worth it: Blue Rev not only confirms what has always been great about Alvvays, but reimagines it. They have never been better. There are 14 songs on Blue Rev , making it the longest Alvvays album, but also the harmonically most rich and lyrically provocative. The songs from Blue Rev exist in the sweet spot, offering a charming immediacy that wins you over instantly, but also an intricay that keeps on giving on repeated listens. Always catchy, never tiring.