Alvvays @ Port City Music Hall (Portland, ME) on May 29, 2018 [Photos & Show Review]

Indie pop up-and-comers, Alvvays just wrapped up their multi-month run across multiple continents with a performance at NYC’s famous Governor’s Ball. We caught up with the band just before they hit that festival date, as they performed an intimate set before a sold-out crowd at Portland, Maine’s Port City Music Hall on Tuesday, May 29th.

After a fiery opening set from Boston group Palehound, Toronto, ON’s Alvvays (pronounced “Always”) took to the stage, the five-piece just barely fitting with of all their gear. Despite only having two full-lengths out, the band has amassed quite the following–evident on the night’s off-date in Portland drawing upwards of 450 people to the small venue, despite it being their first show ever in the state of Maine. Alvvays kicked off their set with the song “Hey,” from their 2017 release Antisocialites. In fact, they played every single song but one from that record in their set.

Frontwoman Molly Rankin’s understated yet melodic vocals were joined by those of the many in attendance, who were eager to sing along, especially for favorites “Archie, Marry Me,” “Dreams Tonite,” and “Adult Diversion.” The band closed out the show with an encore of “Next of Kin” from their 2014 self-titled release. Although this run is done, keep an eye out for some fall tour dates before Alvvays close this album cycle!