Review
Let’s chat about "Antisocialites" by Alvvays—their second studio album dropped on September 8, 2017. It's like when your awkward, bookish friend shows up at the party surprisingly polished, but still undeniably themselves. They crank out a sound that's fuzzier than a worn-out sweater, yet crisp enough to make indie pop aficionados lose their cool. Alec O'Hanley and John Congleton were the masterminds behind the production, leaning on both cutting-edge kits like Pro Tools and good ol' dinosaurs like the TASCAM 488 8-track. It's a superb blend, rendering textures that are all their own.
Lyrically, the album takes a step into deeper, more shadowy waters, breaking the surface with those pesky human connection issues. Molly Rankin isn’t messing around here—whether she’s dissecting relationships in "In Undertow" or getting you lost in a wistful dreamscape with "Dreams Tonite", she gets you feeling some kind of way. But just when you think it’s all gloom, tracks like "Plimsoll Punks" and "Your Type" pull in with irresistible bouncy vibes.
Now, if you measure success by who’s raving and chart fuss, "Antisocialites" made quite the splash. Critics adored it; I'm talking major love fest. Heck, it even snagged the Juno for Alternative Album of the Year and got big mentions in year-end lists. Even chart junkies had their moment—peaking at #82 on the US Billboard 200 and snagging the #9 spot on the US Top Alternative Albums chart. The album’s legacy? Proof that Alvvays isn’t here for a good time, but quite potentially, a long one. - Bo
