SXSW Live Shot: Alvvays

“The first South By Southwest show we ever saw was right here at the Mohawk,” noted Alvvays leader Molly Rankin Wednesday night, recalling a War On Drugs’ gig on the same stage three years prior. “We always hoped someday we’d play here too.”

On the venue’s second night hosting House of Vans once again, the Toronto pop quintet showcased material from its 2014 debut LP, curiously dedicating standout single “Marry Me, Archie” to New Jersey’s Real Estate, playing next door at Cheer Up Charlies. The minor-keyed “Party Police” slowed the pace from an otherwise upbeat string of similar-themed numbers, Rankin, 26, singing of “comfort in debauchery.”

Her spotless soar belied the singer’s teeny five-or-so feet, as did her attitude, which she served whilst sweetly smiling. At one point, she called out someone she knew in the crowd for smoking a cigarette: “Well, that’s a dirty secret,” she jabbed. “Also, you could stand to look more enthused – you’re a publicist.”

Rankin ruled in terms of stage presence, though bassist Brain Murphy’s bouncing lines buoyed a flawless rhythm section. Their jangle recalls Camera Obscura. Like those Scots, these Canadians’ wholly inoffensive charm works on skill and hooks.

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