Today's Song of the Day, as chosen by Kevin Cole, host of Drive Time on KEXP, is "Pharmacist" by Alvvays, from the 2022 album Blue Rev on Polyvinyl.
Canadian indie-pop quintet Alvvays return this fall with Blue Rev, despite numerous misfortunes that came before it. A thief stole a recorder full of demos from frontwoman Molly Rankin's apartment. The very next day, a basement flood nearly ruined all the band’s gear. On the plus side, they recruited two new band members — drummer Sheridan Riley and bassist Abbey Blackwell — but, on the bummer side, COVID-related border closures prevented band rehearsals.
But the band perservered to craft their most mature (and longest!) LP yet. Keyboardist Kerri MacLellan and guitarist Alec O’Hanley contributed more to the songwriting process this time, adding fresh perspectives to their melodic sound.
Blue Rev is named for a "sugary alcoholic beverage Rankin and MacLellan used to drink as teens on rural Cape Breton," and the songs within express that sweet, dizzy, exuberant feeling.
Blue Rev will be released October 7th via Polyvinyl, with an October 22nd date at The Moore Theatre in Seattle.
