Album Review: Alvvays - 'Blue Rev'
Alvvays bring back to life their sound of bittersweet reminiscence with intricately complex atmospheres and fervent performances.
After five years of silence since the release of “Antisocialites”, a record which has earned the Canadian five-piece outstanding prestige amongst so many different types of music fans, Alvvays return to the forefront of the music world with one of their most detailed, energetic and cohesive works to date which is sure to attract the same praise from critics and fans alike.
Commencing to work on this record midway through 2017, the group was urged by producer Shawn Everett to forget their meticulous approach in favor of a more hybrid method where the album was played and recorded front-to-back onto tape. Subsequently the focus of the work was on filling the tracks with different layers of texture, which were to be at the forefront of “Blue Rev”.
This new approach was evident from the very beginning of the album, as “Pharmacist” takes the listener on a joyride through jangly shoegaze-like guitar strumming, a slow delay vocal effect which leaves singer Molly Rankin’s nostalgic lyrics echoing throughout the song, only to lead the listener into a grand guitar solo which evokes the crunchy tones of the likes of Dinosaur Jr. and Guided By Voices.
“Easy On Your Own?” is an ethereal barrage of creativity, kicking off with some playful use of amp feedback before Rankin’s voice ushers in the cordial guitar tones of which sounds are so soothing, they could almost resemble a shoulder for the listener to lean on. Such is the level of proficiency in the production of this record, it welcomes you with open hands and introduces you to a world the likes of which you have never seen before.
“After The Earthquake” speeds up the pace of the melodic opening to the album, with compelling guitar sequences similar to those of the quintet’s past efforts, followed by a dazzling chorus which brings a storm of cosy reverb textures and thunderously loud guitar tones. “Tom Verlaine” is another track which makes great use of the textures mentioned, albeit in a more intimate environment, as Rankin’s sings of a former lover who threatens to leave.
It is evident at this point into “Blue Rev” that each song is shorter than most conventional pop or indie rock compositions, with each track averaging a three-minute playtime. This is something which could almost go unnoticed, as the cohesiveness of the instrumentation and lyricism between each track makes for a fascinating listen, with no part overstaying its welcome.
“Pressed” brings back the faster pace earlier introduced, with the addition of aesthetic and lush guitar tones reminiscent of Cocteau Twins, carried by a fuzzy bassline which melts the track into an unexpected key change. This makes for a shimmering ending as Rankin channels a spirited presence exclaiming “I won’t apologize for something I’m not sorry for”.
Other highlights include “Very Online Guy”, a fun synthy track filled with playful creativeness and comic lyricism, along with “Pomeranian Spinster” which swings to the post-punk genre with its stand-off energy, enthralling guitar solo, and instrumental stamina which make it the longest song on the album.
Although the tone is fuzzier and more distorted than any of their previous work, the effusive production makes it their most soothing, reassuring they have not lost the sound which brought them to their third record.
Sweetened backing vocals and further explorations of sonically magnificent reverb tones recall the sounds heard from past shoegaze greats, in addition to making each sound their own with nostalgic synthesiser resonances, melodramatic lyricism and a tireless rhythm section at the foundation of each melody.
With “Blue Rev” Alvvays have channelled the profound charm which has brought them to such critical acclaim, only to add a handful of creative wit alongside a fuzzy refinement of the sound listeners have grown used to.
Words by Jay Cohen
