Ahead of a sold out gig at Northrop opening for the Decemberists, Alvvays stopped by The Current studio to chat with host Mary Lucia and to perform tracks off their self-titled debut album.

Just last week Alvvays—Molly Rankin (guitar/lead vocals), Alec O'Hanley (guitar), Kerri MacLellan (keys), Brian Murphy (bass) and Phil MacIsaac (drums)—were in Austin, TX for the big South by Southwest Festival where they played a handful of showcases.

In between SXSW shows they were able to catch other acts, both new and old – the Damned, for example. "They're good equalizers, those festivals," says guitarist Alec O'Hanley. "You can sort of rub elbows. It works to our benefit because we're small potatoes. I'm sure the Damned don't really care about us too much, though Captain Sensible gave us a shout out."

Tonight Alvvays open for the Decemberists, though they haven't met Colin Meloy and the gang yet. Their Minneapolis show at Northrop is the first of a 15-date tour together. How'd they get such a great gig, you ask? "I think Colin reach out to our camp and then it just kinda went from there," says O'Hanley. And we can't wait to see where they go from here.

Listen to the full in-studio to hear Molly and Alec of Alvvays chat with Mary about their favorite cities to play in (Minneapolis being one of them), how Sloan had an influence on the band and the critical praise they've received following the release of their self-titled debut record.

Songs Performed

"Atop a Cake"
"Party Police"
"Archie, Marry Me"

All songs are off Alvvays self-titled debut, out now via Polyvinyl.

Hosted by Mary Lucia
Produced by Derrick Stevens
Engineered by Mike DeMark
Web feature by Leah Garaas

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