Jangly Canadian indie pop with sugar-sweet melodies and a melancholy undertow, from Toronto by way of Prince Edward Island.
MOODS · jangly · dreamy · melancholic · sugary · nostalgic · introspective · upbeat · wistful · noisy undercurrent · indie pop · shoegaze-tinged · bittersweet
BIOGRAPHY
Alvvays is a Canadian indie pop band formed in 2011, originating from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and later based in Toronto. The group is led by singer-songwriter Molly Rankin, daughter of Rankin Family fiddler John Morris Rankin, alongside keyboardist Kerri MacLellan, guitarist Alec O'Hanley, and drummer Sheridan Riley. Rankin grew up in Mabou, Nova Scotia, writing songs with MacLellan before forming Alvvays.
Their self-titled 2014 debut topped the US college charts and was praised by Rolling Stone as an "indie-pop wonder." Antisocialites (2017) and Blue Rev (2022) both won the Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year, and all three albums were shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize. "Belinda Says," from Blue Rev, earned a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Performance.
WHY THEY'RE COOL
Alvvays built a devoted following by fusing jangle pop's bright melodies with noisier, melancholic undercurrents, becoming key figures in the revival of the C-86 sound. Their acclaim has only grown: Pitchfork named "Belinda Says" the top song of 2022, and each of their three studio albums has been recognized by major honors, from Juno wins to a Grammy nomination and Polaris Music Prize shortlists, cementing them as one of indie pop's most consistently celebrated acts.
GEORGE'S PLAYS
First time on the station.
PLAYED ON WOKE1
