Canadian indie pop band Alvvays is finally back with new music. The band burst onto the scene in 2014 with the release of their self-titled debut, containing indie classics like “Archie, Marry Me.” Indie fans like myself have been patiently waiting for a new release from Alvvays since 2017’s LP Antisocialites. It seems like Alvvays has wanted to give us new music but between the theft of demo tapes, a basement flood ruining gear, and hold-ups at the Canadian border for rehearsals, it’s been a tough road getting there. But luckily it looks like another album cycle is coming our way. “Pharmacist” is the first single from the band’s upcoming album Blue Rev, due October 7 via Polyvinyl/Transgressive. Click here to pre-order the album.
A First Look Into Blue Rev
Fans of Alvvays know that they’ve pretty much mastered dream pop. But “Pharmacist” takes a bit of a left turn, leaning heavily into shoegaze with plenty of distorted guitar effects and feedback. It feels extravagant and rich with layers of sound artfully layered atop one another while staying sunny and bright. Lead singer Molly Rankin chronicles a trip to the pharmacy with short and sweet lyrics, seemingly convincing herself she’s ok after the end of a relationship. And the payoff of the end of the track is massive with a huge crescendo of distortion and a blown-out guitar solo. If this is just the first single, this album is already shaping up to be a masterpiece.
Alvvays are hitting the road this Fall to support Blue Rev. In August, they’ll play a show with Courtney Barnett for her Here and There touring festival. Then the band embarks on their headlining US tour in October with Slow Pulp supporting. Click here to see a full list of tour dates and ticket options.
