Photo of Alvvays at Music Tastes Good 2017 via Losanjealous
OCTOBER 23 | WEST HOLLYWOOD—On the day that Canadian band Alvvays was performing a last-minute show at the Roxy Theatre, following a set at Long Beach’s Music Tastes Good festival, Los Angeles hit record October temperatures, reaching 102 degrees. “Whew! I don’t know how you do it here,” said singer-guitarist Molly Rankin. “It’s fun, but it’s too hot.”
Just as ascendant as this day’s temperatures, Alvvays has been enjoying ever-increasing success. Case in point: Tickets for tonight’s show sold out in less than a minute. And rightfully so, as the band’s new album, Antisocialites, has been receiving ardent praise for its infectious pop numbers and witty lyrics.
Despite such descriptions as “dream pop” and comparisons to twee act Camera Obscura, Alvvays puts on a lively concert that never borders on subdued or withdrawn (despite the album name Antisocialites). For example, during “Archie, Marry Me,” likely the band’s biggest hit, the entire audience sang loudly to the chorus—”hey, hey, marry me, Archie”—with fists pumping in the air. From the fast-paced “Your Type,” which elicited an animal-like growl from Rankin, to the upbeat “Plimsoll Punks,” the concert had a noticeably buoyant atmosphere, and the tightly packed crowd was fully engaged.
Many of the songs led to a sing-along, particularly those from the band’s self-titled debut, leading Rankin to remark, “Nice singing!” The fan adoration also included several “We love you, Molly!” comments as well as simple “Fuck yeah!” enthusiasms. When introducing “Forget About Life,” Rankin asked, “Do you mind if I play an escapist ballad for you?” As the stage was dimmed in near darkness, with only a black-and-white static background, the lyrics of the song seemed particularly resonant given today’s overwhelming news cycle in Trump’s America: “Did you want to forget about life with me tonight? Underneath this flickering light.”
Toward the end of the night, Rankin thanked the crowd and again remarked on the heat: “I wish I could hand out Popsicles to everyone or something but … we can’t really do that. We’re not there yet.” She added during the encore, “Thank you for remaining in the sauna.” But the fans—seemingly oblivious to the warm, sweaty atmosphere—were reluctant for the night to end and already looking forward to Alvvays‘ return. Given the band’s increasing popularity, I anticipate Popsicles at the next one. — CHERYL CHENG
Set List
Saved by a Waif
Adult Diversion
In Undertow
Plimsoll Punks
Lollipop (Ode to Jim)
Not My Baby
Hey
Atop a Cake
Forget About Life
Your Type
Ones Who Love You
Archie, Marry Me
Dreams Tonite
Party Police
Encore
Dives
Next of Kin
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