Alvvays + Girl Scout, The Ritz, Manchester, Sun 23rd June.

“Tonight, Alvvays have created magic on stage, ensuring that their place in the pantheon of indie pop is well-deserved and secure.”

With its storied history and grandiose architecture, Manchester’s Ritz is legendary and is one of the city’s best live music venues. A sprung dance floor, Art Deco design and balcony create an ambiance that is both nostalgic and vibrant. It’s both an intimate and grand setting and is ideal for the blend of nostalgic yet contemporary dreamy and melancholic indie of tonight’s headliners, Alvvays. A band known for critically acclaimed albums, a devoted fanbase and a band who have carved out a significant place in the indie music scene yet remain relatively unknown outside people in the know.

The merch area is bustling and expectations are high in the sold-out mix of young indie enthusiasts and older fans. With a burgeoning reputation, Sweden’s Girl Scout, kick off the night. Fronted by the charismatic Emma Jansson, they launch into a well-curated selection of raw, emotive sound and poignant lyrics. Tracks like “All the Time and Everywhere” and “I Just Needed You to Know” showcase their knack of blending optimistic rhythms, jangly guitars, melodic hooks with infectious energy. “Run Me Over” is a perfect summer song. Its melody, driving rhythm and Jansson’s angelic vocals immediately drawing you into a world of sunshine. As an opening act, they do more than just warm up the crowd, they deliver a blend of catchy melodies with emotional depth that stands as a headline performance in its own right. The bands time on stage is relatively short, but they make a lasting impression with a show that is a testament to their potential and shows a promising glimpse into their future

Girl Scout Setlist:

Taking the stage as Teenage Fanclub’s “Is this music?” fades from the PA, Alvaays presence immediately commands the room with “Easy on Your Own?” greeted with enthusiastic cheers and applause. Lead singer Molly Rankin, with her ethereal voice and charismatic stage presence, effortlessly navigates the song’s twists and turns and captivating melody setting the tone for the night. The crowd singing along from the first note. From latest album Blue Rev ,“Very Online Guy”, “Tom Verlaine” and “Velvetten” are met with enthusiastic approval and highlight the band’s ability to evolve while staying true to their signature sound. The songs played live are a testament to stunning, beautiful melodies, bittersweet lyrics, chemistry and musical cohesion. Vocals are pristine, effortlessly capturing the dreamy quality that defines Alvvays’ sound.

Molly’s stage presence is confident and endearing, with a subtle charisma that draws you in and makes her a captivating frontwoman on stage. Alec O’Hanley’s guitar work is both intricate and powerful, providing a rich sonic backdrop for Molly’s vocals. Kerri MacLellan’s keyboards add layers of texture, enhancing the dreamy quality of the music. Bass lines are melodic and grounding, while Sheridan Riley’s drumming is dynamic and precise.  The music’s ability to connect with fans on a deeply emotional level make the performance feel personal and intimate, as if the band are sharing them with a group of close friends.

The setlist is a perfect mix of songs from their three albums, Alvvays, Antisocialites, and Blue Rev. Each song flowing seamlessly into the next, taking the audience on a journey through the band’s evolution. Early in the set is the utterly beautiful “In Undertow,” the lead single from Antisocialites  and “Adult Diversion” from their eponymous debut. “In Undertows” lush, swirling guitars and poignant lyrics resonate deeply, the crowd erupting in applause and cheers, singing along. The line “There’s no turning back after what was said” seeming to echo through the venue, a collective release for the crowd. It’s very special.

The crowd erupt as soon as the opening guitar of “Archie, Marry Me,” rings out. The song’s infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics making it an anthem for many fans and with one of the best opening lines ever in “You’ve expressed explicitly your contempt for matrimony”, it’s a stunning, standout moment. The crowd’s reaction electric, yelling “Heeeey, heeeey, marry me, Archie” back to the band creating a beautiful, communal moment highlighting the deep connection between band and their fans, many of whom sway with their eyes closed, lost in the music.  The live rendition is mesmerising, Molly’s vocals are both powerful and tender, floating effortlessly over shimmering guitars perfectly capturing the song’s emotional depth. Wow.

After an hour and a half of stunning, captivating music the band are gone. Their ability to blend catchy melodies with poignant lyrics and deliver them with such emotional depth a testament to how good they are.  Tonight, Alvvays have created magic on stage, ensuring that their place in the pantheon of indie pop is well-deserved and secure. Catch them on the Woodsies stage at Glastonbury on Sunday 30^th June if you can. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Alvaays Setlist:

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