Culture, Music, News

Alvvays @ Manchester’s New Century Hall – a delight to witness live

0 660

Featured image: Georgina Hurdsfield


While on their run of summer festivals, Alvvays stopped by Manchester’s New Century Hall to put on an unforgettable dream-like show. Selling out the 1200 capacity venue, it was Manchester’s first chance to hear songs from Blue Rev live, their third album which was released back in 2022. 

Opening with ‘Pharmacist’, the room lit up as the Canadian band glowed in different colours as images were projected onto the white sheet behind them, immediately creating a dreamy feel to match their dream-pop sound. The new songs transpired well live, with a clear favourite being ‘Very Online Guy’. Lead singer, Molly Rankin, introduced the song asking if there were any online guys in the room, which was met with a few cheers.

Alvvays played a 22 song set, featuring a range of tracks from their growing discography. Fan-favourites included ‘Not My Baby’, ‘Archie, Marry Me’, and ‘Dreams Tonite’ which encouraged fans to sway amongst friends and strangers, shoulder to shoulder, and sing along to every word. Rankin’s vocals were soft and airy yet filled with raw emotion while the band and set-up created an intimate atmosphere. 

It was clear the crowd were fully immersed in the songs as the set quickly flew by. There was little communication with the audience, however, this felt unneeded as the tight performance and heavenly music spoke for itself.

Finishing the set with ‘Next of Kin’, ‘Velveteen’ and ‘Lottery Noises’, Alvvays fly through the last three songs almost effortlessly, with Rankin hitting every note perfectly. Alvvays were a delight to witness live, and we hope that there won’t be another five year break between their latest album and new music.

About the author / 

Georgina Hurdsfield

Masters student in Psychological Wellbeing in Clinical Practice at Manchester Metropolitan University. Keen photographer and music enthusiast.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • Spotify Wrapped – aAh! Magazine’s top albums of 2025

    By Adam Taylor It’s time to post your top artists to show how cool and different you are. Spotify Wrapped for 2025 has finally dropped. This stat-loaded list of listening habits gets everyone excited, revealing top artists, songs, podcasts, music genres, and hours listened – which can be a bit concerning… Spotify adds new features…

  • Call for online submissions: Creative Writing and Featured Artwork – Hometown

    Featured image: Suzy Hazelwood aAh! Magazine’s Literature and Creative Student Editors are delighted to announce our first online call for submissions for the 2025/26 academic year. This series invites creative writing students and visual artists to respond to the theme ‘Hometown’, offering the opportunity to showcase their work online. Manchester is a hometown for thousands, and simply…

  • What’s On: Things to do in Manchester this December

    Featured image: Manchester City CouncilBy Adam Taylor and Amy Corringham Winter is approaching, but don’t let the cold and dark days stop you getting out and about – aAh! has gathered a selection of events for all budgets for you and your friends to enjoy. Get into the festival spirit with a variety of activities…