Photos/Review by Kyle McNeil – Canadian indie-pop band Alvvays made their return to Toronto on August 28th along with American alt-rocker Alex G as the co-headliner. Both bands have been on the “Summer 2023 Tour” together making their way across North America. Alex G would be first to take the stage and received a huge reception from the crowd as a lot in attendance also came to watch his set. The indie rock star is still on a promotional tour for his latest project titled “God Save The Animals” which is just over a year old now. Alvvays has also been touring all year for their latest critically acclaimed album titled “Blue Rev” that has gained much attention in 2022 & 2023 being named Sterogum’s number one album of the year and took home the Juno award for best alternative rock album in 2023. The show on Monday night at Budweiser stage would be considered a big accomplishment for Alvvays as they consider the city of Toronto their home base even though they are natively from the east coast.
Mixing the new with the old seems to be a theme for this band with their low-fi, dreamy rock style so you can be sure the group didn’t just play all new music off Blue Rev. Of course the group would have to pull out some old classics like “Adult Diversion” and “Archie, Marry Me” for the hometown crowd. Some of the fans in the front row even wrote the previously mentioned song title on their arms in a decorative style. Personally, I love the way Alvvays continues to re-invent them selves musically album to album. You can always be sure this band will put a fresh and original spin on their art and introduce new audio aesthetics to their fans. I’m very much looking forward to the day years from now when Alvvays takes their rightful place with the rest of the greats in Canadian music history.
ALEX G
