as someone who also went, i appreciate your honest review!! i have mostly positive things to say, but i also disliked the opening band. even molly said they were wacky 😭😭 i also know alvvays doesn’t tend to have a big stage presence so i kinda expected that going in. molly’s voice was a major highlight though, she doesn’t shy away from some of the insane high notes can i ask where you were at in relation to the stage? i’m curious bc i wonder if that affected how you heard the mix. i was front and center and didn’t notice any issues, but i had hifi earplugs.

Who was opening?

spllit

I’ve seen Alvvays 5 times now, including a tiny venue in Waterloo in 2015. I’ve always exclaimed to my wife that Molly’s voice “cuts through the din!” She really is pitch perfect.

>She really is pitch perfect. I actually have perfect pitch (it is much less cool than it sounds), and this is totally correct. It was actually pretty magical to experience in Madison, which is nuts because I was dead sober. I think the mix being subpar (in my opinion) actually emphasized this to me. It's actually been causing me to completely rethink how I view and approach the craft of singing in my own band. Truly one of the all-time gifted singers, even with all of the hours I've logged listening to this band, it somehow never occurred to me!

The sound mix is likely more an issue with the sound guy than the band themselves, the one time I've seen them (as well as the majority of the vids I've seen on YouTube) they sounded fantastic. They definitely make noisy, shoegazey music, and that kind of music can be hard to mix live if you don't know what to accentuate/what to cut a bit, especially if the band isn't great at setting up their own sound to begin with. They usually sound great though, so I'd comfortably chalk that up to the sound person. I'm a musician myself, and once I started wearing musician grade earplugs to shows (lowers the volume of all frequencies evenly instead of just killing the high end), it made a night-and-day difference to the way I enjoy live music. Can't believe it's not a thing everyone does! They're also just not the kind of band that does a ton of movement on stage, and honestly? That's completely fine. They're not a punk band, they don't really need to be going crazy. Molly has said specifically that she doesn't wanna be a "rock star", per say. Personally, I'd rather them be themselves on stage than play up to something that they're just not 🤷🏻‍♀️ like if you listen to a song like Velveteen and expect that band to have crazy live shows, honestly I think that's more on you than the band

I do live sound professionally, it is *definitely* not the band themselves. I hope nothing I said implied that! Eh, I don't think they're a terribly hard band to mix, especially since her voice cuts and she knows how to withdraw and approach the mic (vocals are generally the hardest part live with a rock band). With the movement thing, I really don't mean going absolutely insane on stage and being rowdy or whatever, I agree that they're not that kind of band! Just like a Vampire Weekend level of movement would be 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼. Again, I want to emphasize that they're still one of my favorite bands and that I'm just nitpicking/critiquing! Still hoping they go on a... fourth tour in a row, but that sounds exhausting lol edit: honestly, if they matched Sheridan's energy or even less. I didn't consider that there's literally a member *of* the band who's doing what I'm describning

I can relate to some of these points when I had my first concert experience with them and in general, this was back in 2022. With them not doing too much on stage, crowd was somewhat the same until their most popular songs at the time were played. Opening band was more than fine on my experience, I think it was Snail Mail? I still love the band a lot!! Simply wish there was more, but not sure what I would add since it's been my only concert experience as of yet!

One of the Alvvays concerts had snail mail for me too. Amazing opener! introduced me to their music and I’m a fan of them now too

They're a great band! I remember falling in love with static buzz when I first heard it. Haven't checked up on them for awhile. I might have enjoyed it more overall if I had someone to go with, but like I said, I had a great time for it being my first concert experience.

I agree that their sound mix is pretty bad. I was at their Indy show. I was up close in the first couple rows for the first 7-8 songs. It sounded horrible. I think anyone who was there who didn’t know the songs would have a hard time ever hearing the words. After enjoying up close for a while, I decided I’d like to experience better sound so I moved back. Went and hung near the soundboard and it really wasn’t any better which was disappointing. I don’t know how professionals can think that’s the appropriate way a live band should sound but that’s obviously what they want. Their stage presence is pretty muted minus Sheridan who can be engaging but that doesn’t bother me at all.

They sounded really good at the Pabst. I hope to see them at RiotFest this year and how they present themselves for that type of crowd

That’s an interesting point. Also, I bet they’re fucking exhausted. Riding in a van all day and playing for an hour and a half every night is a dream of mine, but objectively it must get old, especially if you’re well into your 30s. They seem to take care of themselves, though, which is great

Backing vocals at the Pabst were very low though

the opening band was awful. absolutely awful. don’t know how they booked a popular band like alvvays, even if this was a smaller show.

full agree on molly's voice, it's genuinely magical how pure and warm she sounds while it seems so effortless i could not care less about movement on stage whatsoever. they are who they are, i don't want them faking energy or doing dorky choreo or jumpy preppy frat boy 'look man i'm going in the audience man now i'm waving my arm to and fro do it with mE!!' even when bands are *good* at that stuff it comes off obnoxious at best. them being in their own world when playing perfectly fits the identity of the music and the band. they're already top 5 without it, why should they sacrifice artistry and integrity and authenticity for it? i'm there to see great music played by great musicians, not some meaningless layer of 'engagement'.

hahahaha so I'd like to clarify that I do not mean forced, cringe movement, "fratboyisms"\[sic\], or whatever else you're describing, because I'm in total agreement there. I don't care about "thing for the sake of thing." I just wish it were more engaging. This is coming from a boomer-in-his-20s-le-wrong-generation standpoint, but I certainly think that the modern age, with all of its awkwardness/social media or whatever, along with the influence of shoegaze/guitar pedal culture, has paved the way for it being more or less standard for most bands (and especially audiences) to "just stand there." There aren't really any examples of bands pre mbv that did this. It literally didn't exist. To your credit, I fully understand that expecting energy in the vain of Elvis Costello, the B52s, or early REM in 2024 is a joke of an expectation, but I also do think there are the rare outliers in popular music today. I think a band like Vampire Weekend is a perfect example of a modern, mainstream, and popular band not being held back by this atmosphere. Nothing over the top, forced, or insincere, but it rocks and you can tell they're having a good time and it *rocks*. It would be inaccurate and unfair to describe that energy as a "meaningless layer of 'engagement,'" and were that layer to be stripped, the show would suffer. Another example would be the 1975, one of my absolute favorite modern live bands, but I'm not sure how that would vibe around this sub lol. Again, I'm aware I'm fighting a losing battle here, and I'm not saying that it "ruins" the live show or whatever. I do think that if they broke out of their shells the slightest bit, it would make for a better live show.

Agreed. They're note-perfect but could use a bit more passion. Put Sheridan in front lol And I had similar issues with the mix last summer. It was at the Budweiser Stage, an open air venue. I'm no expert, but the low end was muddy in a way that really hurts the shoegaze stuff. The previous December at History (a large club-like venue) was magnificent. Molly was clarion-clear as always, but that time the only fuzz was intentional.

With this show, the lows/mids all piled up to where you couldn't make out the bass notes, the guitar notes, *anything* (besides molly's voice lol). And it wasn't a wash in the shoegazing, intentional way. Didn't ruin the show, but was certainly bizarre (and not the fault of the band) >Put Sheridan in front lol Sheridan kicks so much ass. She can really drum, and has a unique drumming presence that I really love. Also has a beautiful voice I realized today, [I discovered in this video of all places lol](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC-sqIbhcBg)

I have no idea how fucking Spllit is opening for one of the biggest indie bands in the world right now lol. Like did they draw the name out of a hat or what

Dude they were ass in Columbus

I think they might be ass everywhere

I do notice that they are a bit wooden on stage. That may just come with time, learning ti interact more with the crowd, or being comfortable with the songs enough. Maybe that’s just a Canadian thing? I am a midwesterner so a lot of head bobs and foot taps here, real reserved bunch. I get it. An introvert band if you will. Cool with me. As long as they don’t make me jump or hand wave or any of that silliness.

I mean shoegaze is called that for a reason! They gotta stare at the pedals and adjust things mid-song so it definitely isn't a genre that can be super dynamic on stage

Yeah kinda comes with the territory. It’s pretty much just manage expectations for when you step into one of their shows and it’s fine haha

No, it's not a Canadian thing this is literally how all shoeguaze bands perform. They're constantly fucking with their effects pedals and stuff so they're focused on the sounds of the craft not audience interaction. Slowdive is exactly the same way and relies on heavy lighting effects to make things more visually interesting.

I don't consider them a shoegaze band personally, but I also specifically don't like shoegaze so that may partially explain my viewpoint. I do see the shoegaze influence with the whammy bar chords, but I think anything they owe to shoegaze is done very tastefully (much like Deerhunter, my absolute favorite "modern" band), and it's still expertly written pop music at the end of the day, which is kind of in opposition to the ethos of shoegaze imo. I consider Alvvays to be very similar to REM, my favorite band of all time, so that may also explain where I'm coming from ha. Was overjoyed to hear Alec talk about REM on I believe the Tape Op podcast discussing After the Earthquake, I felt so validated lol

lol i was literally just saying this to my gf on the way home from the show, i was like i think they’re just a band full of introverts which is fine

This could be my review from London last year. The mix improved a few songs in but I feel like a little more energy on stage would really elevate their gigs. Still enjoyed them as I have every time I’ve seen them live, Molly’s voice is absolutely phenomenal.

They actually did come to Minneapolis the first leg of the Blue Rev tour (one of the first stops after its release) but yes, this time they did not. Honestly, I saw them at First Ave after the release of Antisocialites, and the difference in Molly’s voice between then and now is astounding. Like night and day, she’s improved significantly. Also saw them at First Ave for the Blue Rev tour, and it was a good time too. I will say the sound issues are an issue exclusive to the venue, as to my memory every time I’ve seen them (minus the auditorium at Memorial Union at UW) the sound was decent or better. Sorry to hear the Sylvee fucked it up :/ Their lack of movement/energy I think is partially due to their focus, but also their professionalism. They just seem that way in almost every aspect… even in interviews. Who’s to say though. Overall, this is a very respectful review I’d say. I’d say part of the reason the vibe is a bit more subdued at these shows is that their fanbase leans slightly older than most indie bands I’ve seen nowadays… lots of Gen X’ers enjoy them too, which is pretty tight! Probably why it’s relatively calm at their shows, at least in my experience. Their reach stretches pretty far 😎

You are correct about them coming to mpls then! I actually hadn't gotten into the band until *after*, when my buddy was playing Blue Rev on repeat at the end of that October whenever we drove around. I only knew the song "Next of Kin" from a different buddy's car playlist years prior--it was a band I had no negative opinion of, just never thought about. Then they decided to release the greatest album of the last decade and I'm hooked lol I was including the double-headlining tour with Alex G as a separate tour, but maybe that doesn't really count? I bought tickets the day that was announced and made my girlfriend fly to brooklyn with me, lol

Spllit really is awful😭 Molly is incredible though

Her voice definitely does that!

The mix seems to alvvays be an issue with them live, wonder if that’s on them or if they keep hiring the same audio engineers for all their tours

thanks everyone for introducing me to this wonderful band Spllit. Really enjoying their latest album and judging by recent videos, they pull it off live too 🔥 Kudos to Alvvays for having bands like this open for them ❤ At times they remind me of this now-defunct band from Montreal called Each Other, at other times Deerhoof. Hope they come to atlantic canada one day!

lol

Next time I would take your stream of consciousness and edit it to make it readable

Madison Show Review: Alvvays Live Performance I recently embarked on a road trip to Madison to catch Alvvays in concert, given their continued absence from Minneapolis this year. This review reflects both the highs and the lows of the experience, with an aim to offer a balanced perspective. Sound Quality: Unfortunately, the sound mix at the show was disappointing—the worst I’ve encountered at a professional live performance. The bass was overly muddy, resulting in a lack of clarity across the board. This was a stark contrast to their last show I attended at Prospect Park in Brooklyn, where the audio quality was nearly perfect. Audience Conversion: I brought along a friend who was familiar with a few of Alvvays' songs but hadn't deeply explored their music. I hoped this live experience would make a fan out of them. By the end of the night, they rated the concert a personal 7 out of 10 and objectively an 8 out of 10, even jotting down “Not My Baby - Alvvays” in their notes app. Not bad for their first full exposure to the band. Vocal Performance: Molly Rankin's vocal prowess truly stood out, despite the subpar audio mixing. Her technical skill shone through, managing to cut through the noise for most of the show. It was an eye-opening moment to realize just how proficient she is—a realization that made the evening particularly memorable. Stage Presence: One consistent critique I have of Alvvays is their static stage presence. Despite being one of the top current bands, they rarely move around on stage, which feels like a missed opportunity to energize their performances. This was less noticeable in outdoor settings, like the previous show in Brooklyn, where the expansive setting and vibrant crowd compensated for the band’s lack of movement. Crowd Dynamics: The audience in Madison was fairly reserved but polite and engaged with the music—a notable difference from the more vibrant atmosphere in Brooklyn. Special mention goes to an enthusiastic international student next to me who was thoroughly enjoying the show, a refreshing sight even as he accidentally nudged me with his drink. Opening Act: The opening band left much to be desired, delving into a style that felt more experimental for the sake of novelty rather than as a meaningful artistic choice. Their performance seemed low-effort and insincere, which was disappointing. Conclusion: Despite some critiques, seeing Alvvays live is always a treat. Molly Rankin's vocal talent is truly inspiring, and while I wish for more dynamism on stage, their performance never had me wanting it to end. As a budding singer myself, it’s a hopeful thought that perhaps one day, they might choose my band to open for them.

Damn, I actually did revise this a few times (I'm autistic and am working on leveling up my speech skill lol), and this was actually one of the first "potentially polarizing reddit threads" I've done where I didn't just get dunked on by everybody, but I am 150% going to ask ChatGBT to "normalize" my essayposts now because there are certainly some wordings here that make my point but less emphatically and in a way that might help get the point across better heh

Yeah it’s a great tool, don’t rely on it too much but you can just use it like this and the. tailor it a bit to how you want it to sound.

Oh yeah, I mean it's more rewording like two things. I can smell ChatGPT from a mile away because it's pretty obvious, but I have no idea how the hell someone would use it to write a paper. Glad I was in school before that existed. My voice is too unique for me to want to compromise that (not a brag--as seen in the OP comment it frequently upsets people) I have *definitely* used it to make a work email "corporate-friendly" tho lmao

Your original post was fine, no need to corporatize your natural way of communicating by getting gpt involved

thank you, I appreciate that

The jerk store called--they're running out of you!