Canadian alternative indie band Alvvays created an unforgettable night at the O2 Academy in Glasgow.
The band, which formed in 2011, has captivated audiences with their dreamy, evocative music, and their performance in Glasgow was no exception. They presented a carefully curated selection of songs from their three studio albums: the self-titled Alvvays, Antisocialites, and their most recent release from 2022, Blue Rev. Each song was accompanied by magical, breathtaking visuals projected onto a large white screen, enhancing the ethereal atmosphere of the night.
Lead singer Molly Rankin’s harmonies appeared effortless and ethereal, drawing the audience into a magnetic allure for both their eyes and ears. Her voice, often described as hauntingly beautiful, soared through the venue, blending seamlessly with the band’s lush instrumentals.
The band opened the night with Easy on Your Own?—a track from Blue Rev filled with distortion and the poignant, rhetorical question, “Does it get easier on your own?” The song’s arrangement, with its mix of gritty guitar riffs and introspective lyrics, perfectly captured the sense of conflict and yearning that is a hallmark of Alvvays’ music. The crowd was immediately drawn in, swaying to the rhythm and connecting with the emotional depth of the song.
Following this powerful opener, the band transitioned into “In Undertow,” a track known for its layered sounds of contemporary guitar and delayed echo. The dreamy quality of the song transported the audience, who swayed and moved in unison to the enchanting melody.
As the night progressed, Alvvays treated the audience to a mix of their best-known hits and deeper cuts. Not My Baby, with its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics about moving on from a relationship, had the audience dancing and singing along, while Archie, Marry Me, perhaps their most iconic song, evoked a sense of nostalgia and longing, creating a poignant moment in the set.
The night ended on a high note with “Atop a Cake,” a mesmerising and charming song that served as the perfect farewell. Its upbeat tempo and infectious melody left the audience with a lasting impression, capping off a night of magical performances and emotional connections.
Words & Pictures: Rose McEnroe