It has been nearly a half-year since the release of Alvvays’ latest album, Blue Rev, and I have absolutely no clue what my favorite track from the record is. First it was “Easy On Your Own,” complete with its towering vocals and anthemic attitude. Then it was “Pomeranian Spinster” and the dizzying glee of its guitars spinning the listener around a teacup ride at a carnival of personal crisis. “Bored in Bristol,” “Tile by Tile” and “Belinda Says:” all of them had me just as captivated.

Oh, how could I almost forget the period where “Tom Verlaine” crashed into my consciousness with that dang 10-second span from the 2 minute 32 second mark to the 2 minute 42 second mark? They’re just not playing fair.

Impact’s music director, Mason Vore, had the fantastic opportunity to sit down and talk with Molly Rankin of Alvvays. The band is in the midst of a large North American/European tour and is at the tail end of an equally massive press tour, so these questions focused on unique details about the band and Blue Rev likely not covered in some other interviews done in this press cycle.

For example: their collaboration with Stardew Valley creator ConcernedApe for the “Many Mirrors” music video, their non-music-related influences and even some thoughts around Rankin’s interest in fantasy basketball and the Toronto Raptors. 

Give Blue Rev and this interview a listen!