Alvvays was the first band I shot with “permission,” thanks to the graciousness of Thalia Hall as a house photographer in 2017. I had only a single, paltry photoshoot to show them, yet for some unknown reason I'm still indebted to, they agreed to let me do it. It remains one of my favorite shoots for so many reasons. It's a time and memory I wish I could relive, to see Alvvays for the first time again and again.
On Tuesday night, it somehow felt that way.
Alvvays became an immediate favorite of mine in 2017.
It's difficult to describe the joy of their return to touring, rising from an intermittent absence, still resonating as a rumor, unreal and fueled by rabid fans collectively willing the group back together into their waiting, anxious worlds.
On Tuesday night, Alvvays' return to Chicago materialized. My mind was still somehow in doubt that they would take the stage, but they did. Performing at the city's newly minted venue, The Salt Shed, it seemed fitting for them to re-emerge within a new structure, a place currently transformative and full of further promise. To me, it mirrors Molly Rankin and Alvvays' return. Their performance was flawless, new yet familiar, to the delight of those still wondering if the rumors were true, myself included.