We’re less than a fortnight away from the release of Alvvays‘ way-anticipated third album Blue Rev, out October 7 via Polyvinyl, and it’s sure to shake up all our Best of 2022 lists just when we need it the most. We’ve already been treated to a pair of sterling singles in July’s SOTY contender “Pharmacist” and wistful August follow-up “Easy On Your Own?”, and now the beloved Toronto indie band serves up a two-fer of twin guitar-pop delicacy with “Belinda Says” and “Very Online Guy.”
Both tracks are about people we know all too well. “Belinda Says” is a tumbling comet of a tune that pays homage to Belinda Carlisle, referencing her ’80s hit “Heaven Is A Place On Earth.” And the synth-soaked “Very Online Guy” is an indie-pop bouncer about that reply guy on the internet we can’t believe still exists. There’s a real heaven-or-hell vibe to these two new Alvvays songs, glued together by the band’s penchant for melodic depth and Molly Rankin’ diary-fed lyricisms.
With four song entrenched in our hearts and playlists, we’ve still only been blessed with a sampling of the 14-track Blue Rev, Alvvays’ first album in five years and the follow-up to 2017’s Antisocialites. Get into the new moods below, and check your local listings for Alvvays’ forthcoming North American tour, which closes with a November 18 twirl at Roadrunner in Boston.
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