This album starts out with the very chilled out “In Undertow”, and while the intro is soft it really opens up quickly into a really stunning and sweet atmosphere. I feel like in a lot of ways, this still has a lot of the same Indie Pop cliche’s that their early recordings did. But it’s just so much bolder and stronger in sound that I really don’t mind it at all. Now let’s go to what I feel like is one of the strongest parts of this album, the songwriting. This track is absolutely sweet and lovable as far as lyrics go, and I just can’t listen to this and not be instantly in a good mood. I just feel like tracks like “In Undertow” takes everything that the band was working with in the past, and has blown it out and everything that came along with it. The guitars are punchier and more anthemic, and vocalist Molly Rankin just sounds so in charge of this sound. It’s a really sweet and lovable pop tune, and while it’s nothing too exciting, it’s the sugary indie pop tune I needed to hear this year. Then we have “Dreams Tonite” which honestly isn’t as broad and is a whole lot colder over all. In a weird way, there’s almost some PC Music sound in those vocals. Now, while this isn’t my favorite track here, I do understand what people dig about this track. This is just about the sweetest pop tune I’ve heard in the indie world all year. It continues to make Molly the star and puts her in this situation where you really hope she gets the boy she has her eyes on. It’s a very human Indie Pop tune. And while I think this could have used a little bigger production and a bigger atmosphere, it’s still sweet. However, “Plimsoll Punks” quickly brings this album right back up to speed in a big way. This track is so much more direct, peppy and upbeat. I still find it hard to believe sometimes that I’m not listening to some other band like Beach Fossils. But it’s Molly’s very commanding and charming vocals that really win me over. I love the sort of Surf Rock vibes that pop in with some of these instrumentals and punchy guitar hooks as well. Overall, “Plimsoll Punks” is just such a damn fun tune, like, I can never really see myself listening to this and not being in a good mood. It’s just so damn catchy, and Molly continues to come off as such a likable singer. Then we have “Your Type”, which is easily the most upbeat and dare I say the heaviest track we’ve gotten yet. There’s still a very sunny feeling to all of this, however, but the slight edge coming off of these heavier instrumentals blend it all together wonderfully. This track is just punchy as hell. To be honest, this actually reminds me a lot of the Surf Rock being produced a few years ago, like stuff from Best Coast or even the early days of Wavves. It’s honestly really well done, and Molly remains so sweet and captivating even among this punchier atmosphere. And while I still feel like in a lot of ways Alvvays are taking so many elements of other great bands, you have to admit they're putting it together in a really nice package.
Now right off the bat, “Not My Baby” is just a little too hazy for my liking, and sort of what took me away from digging their debut album. The guitars are just so wishy washy and Molly’s performance isn’t nearly as engaging. Molly’s performance isn’t nearly at the forefront that it’s been, and it really makes things pretty boring. Everything about this track just ends up sounding like every other band in this genre, but in the worst way. Like, in the way that I couldn’t tell this was an Alvvays track if my life depended on it. Even halfway through when some of those strings come in, I just can’t wait for this track to be over. Not to mention, it’s just so long. However, when Molly breaks out into the last minute or so into her higher register, this track does improve a bit. But if you’re going to skip a track here, make it this one. The low points of this album don’t stay long however. “Hey” is up next which starts off with an exciting riff and some New Wave sounding synths that make the band burst out of the cloud they dug themselves in very quickly. As far as a fun track goes, this is a seriously highlight for the album, and that’s saying something. In a lot of ways, this one is super old school nd reminds me of some unearthed New Wave track, but with TONS of personality. This track is still plenty dreamy and all, but it’s executed with so much more oomph. The upbeat vibe and the overall punchiness of this one is really refreshing of the album as well. Then we have “Lollipop (Ode To Jim)”, and by this point I’m actually really surprised to see how many tracks have become this hard hitting. But it’s these absolutely adorable lyrics and sweet performances that keep me coming back. Like, oh my God, this is easily the most adorable chorus I’ve heard this entire year and I can’t get enough. These “falling in love” stories, these sweet harmonies, matched up with all of these hard hitting Jangle Pop chords make for some seriously memorable jams. Alvvays may have been stuck in a little bit of a rut a few years ago when it comes to setting themselves apart. But this album is truly next level, and a sound I can’t wait to hear more of from them in the future. But for everything that I truly love about Alvvays’ sound, tracks like “Already Gone” is always going to be my fear. Slow tracks like this are an absolute chore to listen to. Molly is just as sweet and all, but not nearly as captivating and interesting when she’s only surrounded by an acoustic guitar. This could have been something sweet and really sentimental. But I feel like “Already Gone” is a sort of awkward talent show performance. And it’s a shame, because I think the melodies and the charming traits are still here and stronger than ever. But this track is just a little unfinished for my liking.
Thankfully, Alvvays really go above and beyond finishing this album. I love the sort of chilled out, laid back start to “Saved by A Waif” that quickly transfers into a sort of punchy Surf Rock jam. But tracks like this, no matter how punchy and upbeat they get, continue to be so damn fun and sweet. It’s catchy, but it’s also got enough bite to really get you up and moving. Hell, this track even has a slight rebellious vibe to it. “Saved by a Waif” is the sort of late album surprise that I always love to hear. It’s easily the most punk-centered track here, which is something I can’t even believe I’m saying. But it’s true, and not a single bit of their charm is lost either. Instantly though I do get a little worried about this album’s finale, “Forget About Life”. However, Molly’s performance here is engaging enough to seriously save this one. The synths in the background are a really nice touch as well. As far as a softer tune goes, this is easily the best one they gave us here. Molly keeps in just enough sweet sentiments to give us a few last “aww” moments, and “Forget About Life” ends up leaving us on a sweet note.
Rating: 8.2/10
Give A Listen To: "In Undertow", "Plimsoll Punks", "Your Type", "Saved By A Waif"
Genre: Indie Pop / Dream Pop / Jangle Pop
If You Dig This, Check Out: Beach Fossils - "Somersault", Best Coast - "Crazy For You", Alvvays - "Alvvays"
Overall Thoughts: I had a really weird feeling that I was going to end up loving this. But this is easily one of the year's sweetest and most enjoyable pop albums, which is something I really wasn't expecting to think. The hooks here are catchy, the tunes are punchy, and it's all done very charmingly and likable. Alvvays a few years ago really just sort of sounded like every other band going for this sound. But they really broke through with this, and ended up carving out a really wonderful sound that I can't wait to hear more of.
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