Alvvays - Antisocialites
Through seemingly benign everyday interactions, voyeuristic observations and stray encounters Alvvays paint 10 lyrical portraits on their new LP Antisocialites.
Galactic opening track In Undertow puts Alvvays rhythmic and writing prowess on full display in this cleaver tune. Molly Rankin contemplates the fate of a relationship after the impact of things said and done asking “What’s left for you and me, I ask that question rhetorically, can’t buy into astrology and won’t rely on the moon for anything, there’s no turning back”. An epic opener with a My Bloody Valentine-esk wall of guitars swirling and washing around in a rich reverb to accompany Rankin’s breathy vocals.
Wondering what might be and the range of possibilities all with an infinite array of outcomes, in Dreams Tonite Rankin’s vocals gently oscillate whilst pondering if a passer-by will feature in her subconscious.
Following on from these opening dreamy tracks, Plimsoll Punks shifts gear into a power pop jingle fused with blues riffs that bubbles with irony as Rankin so positively espouses “you’re getting me down”.
Your Type continues the short and punchy post punk vibe. Like a considerate mosh pit, this track bounces and jostles around, politely giving the verbal finger to unwanted attention.
Enjoying the freedom of post break up individuality, Not My Baby is a synth driven tune peppered with drum machine beats and sweet doo-wop harmonies.
With phasers set to stun, Hey is an electric wonderland with washed out guitars all held in check with Brian Murphy on bass. If you didn’t know Alvvays hail from Toronto you could easily be mistaken for thinking you were in Manchester in the early 80’s as Lollipop carves out a cute storyline of mishap and misunderstanding.
Already Gone is a haunting track with Rankin breathless and creating a sense of desolation further assisted by Alec O'Hanley scratching on the fretboard. It is the restraint that Rankin employs in this track that makes her voice so ethereal and aching.
Saved By A Waif is like a night out, bristling with early enthusiasm and excitement before some heady moments drag it from the j-pop stratosphere whereas Forget About Life is an invitation to escapism, to run away, to put the blinkers on reality and for brief moment throw caution to the wind.
Overwhelmingly a record canvasing very familiar concepts based on love, loss and longing, the sugary sweet way Alvvays coat these truths is one of their most appealing traits.
