The Toronto, ON-based quintet of Alvvays (pronounced like always) like most bands can trace their origins to their teens – Molly Rankin (vocals, guitar) and Kerri Maclellan (keyboards) grew up as next door neighbords in Cape Breton, NS. Both Rankin and Maclellan played fiddle and sung folk songs until the typical teenage heartbreak had them discover the likes of the Jesus and Mary Chain, Belle and Sebastian, and others. In Charlottetown, PEI Alec O’Hanley (guitar), Brian Murphy (bass) and Phil MacIssac (drums) also bonded over their mutual love of the same bands. 

In their native Canada, they’re an indie rock sensation as they’ve toured with the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Peter, Bjorn and John and others, thanks in part to a sound that’s summery and yet has a bittersweet lilt – in some way, on the band’s latest single, “Adult Diversion” will probably remind you of a contemporary band such as Seapony or more likely the Go-Go’s and the Smiths. (The video is fitting as it’s shot on grainy Super 8, which emphasizes the bittersweet nature of the song.)

The band started a tour across Eastern Canada on November 5th, and it’ll end with two New York dates: November 25th at Mercury Lounge; and November 26th at Glasslands Gallery.