Alvvays, Scala - music review

Some bands bludgeon you into submission; others reveal their gifts more subtly. Toronto’s Alvvays (pronounced “always”) are of the latter variety: a subtle, understated treat in an industry full of show-offs.

The five-piece were in town to promote their self-titled debut, a nine-song collection of jangly dream-pop that casts them as the sunnier successors to the The Cure.

Their diminutive leader, Molly Rankin, was dwarfed by her Fender Stratocaster but her pure, high voice cut through the choppy chords of The Agency Group.

While their approach is still fairly DIY — when Rankin broke a string, it was left to bandmate Alec O’Hanley, rather than a roadie, to fix it — they have the songs to propel them to big things.

Marry Me, Archie was swooning, lovestruck indie-rock that’s become a 6Music staple; Adult Diversion was a boozy ballad with an indelible chorus.

Like The Smiths before them, Alvvays marry sprightly musical backing with melancholic lyricism. Recent single Party Police is so much fun that you can easily miss the obsessional nature of the lyrics, Rankin crooning desperately: “You don’t have to leave, you can stay here with me.”

It’s a neat trick, and one that comes without the slightest hint of ego. Alvvays don’t know how good they are. But, trust me, they are very good indeed.