LIVE// Alvvays

The Bodega Nottingham// 26/01/15

Toronto five-piece bring big glasses and even bigger chorus' to Nottingham

When Alvvays take to the stage tonight you could argue that the hype surrounding them - and their eponymous debut album- is reaching stratospheric levels, yet the Toronto five-piece have their priorities set very much on the ground. Vocalist/guitarist Molly Rankin opens the band's set by asking for the best British chocolate bar, and the location of oldest pub in England - The Trip to Jerusalem. Whilst the bands status as one's to watch could afford them a slightly more whacky rider request, the resulting 3 minute blasts of indie-pop heaven certainly make up for it.

Next Of Kin opens with the sort of jangy-heavy guitar Johnny Marr would be jealous of, it's upbeat riffs hiding a darker lyrical side, as Rankin sings "If I'd known you couldn't swim we would never had gone in".

Archie, Marry Me- which appears surprisingly early in the set-  provides the first sing along of the night thanks to it's catchy vocal hooks. Atop A Cake keeps up the pace, before the band slow down proceeding with a euphoric run though of Party Police.

The band even manage to throw in a cover of Deerhunter B-side Nosebleed, which, when adorned with Molly's piercing vocals, could easily be passed off as their own. 

If tonight proves anything it's that whilst Alvvays arn't breaking the mould, when your indie anthems are as contagious as that, theres no need to. (Oh- and that Mars is the best chocolate bar.)