Alvvays - Antisocialites ALBUM REVIEW

[@marsaudiac]

holy shit he actually liked it

[@TheMuse260]

Adam S I was expecting the usual reverb bashing melon opinion followed by a strong 3

[@lukeberrie3942]

Considering he panned their debut, this is rather shocking

[@lalalooah]

Adam S i'm so happy

[@aidanpower5250]

+Luke Berrie I enjoyed their debut too

[@HeyIntegrity]

accurate

[@meir2161]

Not My Baby is perfect

[@kijetesantakaluSokete]

And Saved by a Waif and In Undertow.

[@saulcampos3492]

The prefect break up song

[@shoegaze_bitch1506]

Yessssss

[@mikedelossantos4775]

From the minute the album dropped, Not My Baby has been and remains my favorite track on the album. I got this album while I was finishing up a 14 year prison sentence, after checking weekly on our shitty jail tablets to see when they would follow up their Self titled for 2 or 3 years. Needless to say I caught alot of baffled looks from cellmates and friends, even those used to my odd (for prison) music tastes. Nevertheless, I'm free now and awaiting blue rev, but until then the bridge of Not My Baby, with the rose colored shades line, has the best 30 second combo of lyrics, melody, and georgeous vocals that I've ever heard in a song, period. They're in my top 5 all time fav bands and they only have 2 albums. Crazy.

[@hightower39]

Undertow is my favorite

[@SilhouetteLifter]

you're just realizing that Molly is a good lead vocalist..? did you...not listen to....Archie, Marry Me? well I'm glad you like it anyway, very pleasant album.

[@YourLoyalDeserter]

He voice was AMAZING on that song.

[@falconmain8616]

On that song it was good but i feel like on some of the other songs on that album she didn’t really stand out

[@nichollsdylan]

8/10 DREAM POP? FUCK YES.

[@RunnerProblems]

me More Shoegaze than anything else.

[@RayasNegroOvejas]

TheGreatGambino ha,how is this shoegaze?

[@RunnerProblems]

PJ You right, they did take stabs at shoegaze tho in their first project. This project is a step forward tho

[@JasonTopo]

YES! AN 8. THIS RECORD FUCKING SLAPS DUDES AND DUDETTES 🤙🏻🏄🏻

[@SwampyWilkinson]

no, it suck

[@vincentlo7678]

Swampy Wilkinson No, you suck

[@colonelfrost8]

^

[@PureDisorder]

henri crousteau spoilers u jerk :(

[@Bredavendavin]

You almost sound relieved, like you're allowed to like this album now cuz melon likes it

[@fasteddie9970]

What joke shop did you get your mustache/glasses combo at?

[@hubblebublumbubwub5215]

The 'stache and glasses are real. It's Cal Chuchesta imitating Anthony.

[@jarpyr6791]

FAST EDDIE W

[@Lafayettebluesman]

FAST EDDIE I

[@lolimaducky]

Oh shit

[@ty_teynium]

The, toilet ... Store?

[@roananmccaa]

Hey hey, marry me Anthony

[@neverstopdreaming998]

Anthony, Marry Me

[@Wisdawms]

I would marry you and your beautiful beard

[@yt8co]

Saved By a Waif is one of my favourite songs of the last few years. Great album.

[@HEARTMACHINEPLUSULTRA]

In Undertow is SOTY. Don't @ me.

[@smeaglehead9794]

Universe Arcana @

[@JudySmilestv]

I agree

[@50ShadesOfEndo]

Universe Arcana Top 5 at least

[@kijetesantakaluSokete]

agreee

[@MartyxWL]

Agreeeeeed

[@generaldom]

1:36 damn I agree 1:46 now yer speakin' my language I like the slower moments more than the quick stuff, with the expection of Plimsoll Punks, that one's a banger

[@nerevarindoril7836]

Did you get your controller back?

[@generaldom]

I don't wanna talk about it

[@DeimanFlores]

Why does your mustache look like the Pizza Hut logo?

[@delabarcel]

Deiman Flores LMAO

[@peterweible7445]

Deiman Flores why does his mustache look like it's comin outta his nose

[@joeysong2560]

W

[@vincentlo7678]

His upper lip is so large

[@sergeyshabay6835]

Product placement. Melon gotta eat.

[@CampingBuddha]

fantano finally gives an alt indie dream pop group a good rating :')

[@dead6080]

Notice how the comment sections for the non-hip-hop reviews are always much more tolerable

[@LightPink]

*alvvays FIFY

[@jaredperez9109]

now look buddy, if that was a comment on the genre in general, I did not appreciate it.

[@HendersonHinchfinch]

Is it really pronounced “alvays”? I always thought it was “always”.

[@cody95]

You're right

[@EvRae23]

i always thought it was alvays, now i feel stupid

[@mycupoftea2747]

*opens meme folder* Ah yes, Anthony is indeed a melon.

[@danielscott-warren8780]

why did you stop selling viagra

[@hubblebublumbubwub5215]

because he ran out of viagra

[@danielscott-warren8780]

i hate u

[@JyGhAa]

I send my melon to the store cause we ran out of soda. Bitch I'm trying to cook this viagra.

[@KayButtonJay]

*spends almost the entire video praising the album* "...feelin' a light 8."

[@jameshelton6035]

Yea unless it's rock from 40 years ago or hip-hop he's pretty much never going to give it a 10. He's basically your quintessential hipster except he's also a critic which makes him even more insufferable.

[@DJBenjoyer]

An 8 for fantano is really god damn high

[@weho_brian]

ok, now go back and give their first album a good review, Jerktano

[@thefancyindian]

How many times did melon adjust his glasses? 22

[@SeverinPerovic]

I'm so stoked to see you dig this! Personally I think it's a really good album, you pretty much explain my feelings exactly. I was just thinking about whether you'd review this or not yesterday and to see that you're enjoying it is tight as hell.

[@jonowillmot9769]

hey anthony c chuch thnx so much for showing me this album, i've listened to it more times than I can count and it won't get old, it's hands down my favourite album ever, keep doing what you're doing it's a blessing to everyone who chooses to listen to you

[@willrucker6973]

Wasn't expecting this whatsoever.

[@reecemura]

An 8????? I was thinking you'd tear this apart given your first review. But this review explains it all

[@fIanneI]

Wow I was not expecting this. This album is absolutely insane, I love it so much ps SHOUT OUT PEI & CB

[@kennybob3096]

Born in Summerside and love this album.

[@laughstrong]

LOVE this record. It's still the Alvvays that I loved from their debut, but it sounds like some of these new songs are (sonically) referencing the Ramones, others referencing The Smiths. i wish they'd tour closer to Florida.. T_T

[@kevincollins8620]

They will finally be coming close to Florida!!!

[@btsdancestudio5691]

Best album this decade. 100/10

[@johnkennedy6921]

I've alvvays liked your moustache melon don't listen to the h8rz, then dip

[@sherktheogrethatfinnesedsh3787]

If anthony eats a melon is it canibalism?

[@mcraid2593]

Sherk The Ogre That Finnesed Shreks Wife yes

[@mcraid2593]

It counts when he eats a cantaloupe too

[@tannerin]

Sherk The Ogre That Finnesed Shreks Wife shrek is a dead meme

[@Blake_Purpose]

I love that you loved this! I work on a team of Music Supervisors and when I first heard their debut album, I was saying to people, "I know this sounds like a lot of other bands on the surface, but I'm telling you that if you sit with this record (their debut) you'll realize they are one of the best doing this kind of music". After hearing their first record, I was confident they'd get even better with time; smash-cut to this amazing album, which ended up on your "I loved these!" list and Pitchforks "Best New Music". Molly Rankin is a great lyric writer. I love how she switches up small lines on many choruses. She doesn't just write a hook and then repeat it 3-4 times. She writes a great melodic hook and then changes up the lyrics in small ways that keep the songs fresh. I loved the first album, but this one is even better.

[@MammothInSpace]

woo yes anthony i loved this album

[@therealsmalk]

He actually liked it? The fuck?

[@OwainOwine]

Ireallyneedtochange Myusername I KNOW RIGHT

[@MikeTrainormusic]

I ordered this record without hearing anything from them. The melody and songwriting on the album is fantastic. Toronto will always have so many great bands and indie talent, there's so much great music in that city.

[@nawal8821]

I loved their first album I can't wait to give this one a listen

[@theresastarmanwaitinginthe5149]

Noice review my local melon.

[@arricammarques1955]

Destined to be a cripplingly under-rated, which alvvays doesn't deserve.

[@allesanbro]

Molly Rankin > Cal Chuchesta

[@cwbellor]

Now I'm gonna check out this album. 3 years late, but...

[@18FrozenAngels]

Did you like it?

[@rckkatansky5783]

WAT 8/10 for alvvays i love you Fantano

[@OhhhYehItsMeh]

father john misty shirt hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[@joefineman648]

fakejb He didn't even like the album that much? Fake melon?

[@stephencarroll3130]

How many times you need to pull up your specs, my dude

[@lawrencemckay94]

really pleasantly surprised that you liked this so much! Have seen two or three different reviewers talk about how much the band fell off with this LP but I think it's a great little album and you give a really good explanation of why I dig it.

[@sillyrabbit77]

I really like this album. Just discovered it. Far different sound than their first. Last song “forget about life” is my fav. I’d give it an 8 as well.

[@sillyrabbit77]

I just saw them in Portland on Sat night. They are touring and worth seeing if they come to your city.

[@omarsabir1210]

Dreams tonite is my favorite song

[@ThePacemaker45]

How come no one commented on the "Fear Fun" T shirt he's wearing?

[@ThePacemaker45]

Bro you just did, what are you saying?

[@Frijolero18]

ThePacemaker45 Yeah, I thought he didn't like the album.

[@stephenlambros3286]

Out of all the albums I listened to this year, Antisocialties was the one I listen to the most. I play the CD in my car a lot.

[@stealthsuit58]

An 8!? damn better give it a listen

[@pnw8836]

Already Gone in the least favorite tracks feels wrong considering it’s about her passed father. It’s a beautiful little melody and has some pretty compelling lyrics depicting the feelings of losing a parent.

[@B_SIDES]

I was SO excited for this album to drop!!

[@conorberry5754]

That SWMRS video was spot on :0

[@annagingerkid]

So happy you reviewed this album!! I was wondering if these guys were on your radar or not so was happy to see this pop up.

[@FF-ch9nr]

crazy his least fav track is already gone, that song is heart wrenching

[@offbeatkiki]

Yay! I'm so glad you liked it! I absolutely love Alvvays :) :)

[@SirCommoner]

I agree the mixing in In Undertow may undermine some of its elements at certain points but I absolutely love the my bloody valentine vibe it has with its distorted guitars and feedback and stuff and everything else too

[@Trouser_J_Slacks]

Fuck yeah the writing is also really sharp. The astrology psychology thing where they switch moon for mood. Love that sonh

[@AM-tu1rc]

Just wanted to let you know you changed my life with the my bloody valentine comment. I never heard of them till now, but I know for a fact that that is the sound I've been searching for all my life. Thank you. If you have any more reccs like them, I'd appreciate it. I love the whole distorted/washy/hazy/experimental nature of Alvvays and my bloody valentine takes that to the perfect extreme

[@SirCommoner]

​@@AM-tu1rc That is so nice to hear! My friend who showed me mbv, in turn, also changed my life when he showed me the band. I had never heard anything like them. loveless and m b v are probably the most perfect shoegaze albums ever, but if you want more great shoegaze, here goes some recommendations: Slowdive is a great band, my favorite songs are Alison and When the Sun Hits. Sleep is also a great one. LSD and the Search for God's song Starting Over is really good. And of course, bands that aren't really considered shoegaze but also have a hazy, dreamy, but occasionally loud sound are Cocteau Twins, Beach House, Yo La Tengo, Melody's Echo Chamber...

[@mikedelossantos4775]

I can't add much else to the reply except to mention Lush and to really put a bold highlight on two bands they mentioned; slowdive and COCTEAU TWINS. Of all the bands to come around, this band had the most effect on me being able to instantly like a band like Alvvays. I've always preferred female vocalists, which shoegazd is famous for, but it took often ends up mixed into the background, subsumed by guitars. Not so with CT, the vocals are so unique and amazing you can't imagine the band without them. I highly recommend you give songs like Carolyn's Fingers and Pearly Dew Drops Drops a listen.

[@akihitochan]

I know this comment isn't troll enough to belong, but... I normally rather dislike the dream pop genre and I really love this album, easily my new top guilty pleasure album. Normally I'm listening to something like The Satanist by Behemoth when I make my daily drives - now it's this.

[@markjaye8182]

Couldn't agree more with your review. Love this album! I'm a recovering DJ from the 80s (New wave, modern rock era) and rarely do bands standout with pop-rock, alt-rock gems like Alvvays does many times over on this release. I first heard Plimsoul Punk and was an instant fan. Big fan!

[@agrislygrizzlybear]

I'm seeing Alvvays on October 24th at The Fillmore!

[@sametzweiler2630]

So many positive reviews lately, it's nice

[@adelECDW]

God I love this album. Oh and something about a melon and dips.

[@dj120daysofsodom7]

lollipop (ode to jim) is such a tune

[@50ShadesOfEndo]

JesusNails Worst song on the album, weak chorus

[@SweetVanessa04]

nothing will ever beat their debut, i knew that from the moment i heard it, but their new album is starting to grow on me and i hope it grows even more! they're honestly not the bland indie pop band you would think they are. the more you listen, the more you read between the lines and hear the nuances that separates them from other bands. one of my favorite discoveries for sure

[@Well_Meaning]

Thanks for clearing up that lemmings myth melon

[@themagnanimous1246]

First DFA1979 and now this??? I'm blown away by you Fantano

[@ptglice]

thank you so much for doing this album!!! love this band

[@veerchasm1]

Alvvays has made 2 glorious albums. Plimsoll Punks is the Stairway to Heaven of Dream Pop😊👍🏻

[@AugustusFloop]

*Dear Prudence

[@bananaacademy9463]

Toronto is more than just OVO.

[@idoruxo]

One of the best albums I've ever heard.

[@JesusChavez-dk2df]

OK, you have that mustache AND listen to dream pop ? I'm definitely calling the FBI.

[@Vecthur]

how tf can he dig this masterpiece and then shit on you their debut

[@bonelesssex4574]

"The sex I have had in my life ranges from humiliating to fantastic, with most of it falling in the 'satisfying for everyone involved' range." -Anthony Fantano for Melon Explosion Condoms, 2017

[@catfishmilkthesaddrummerbo8439]

Aye you reviewed it! Thanks Anthony now ima go listen to it.

[@BeeEmEcks]

Forget About Life has me singing the loudest I've ever sung in my entire life

[@Sud0wood0]

Just got around listening to this after being completely enamored with Dreams Tonite. Completely agree with you, this album could've easily been forgotten if the band just phone in some of the songs and made some very clear cut, boring songs. But most every song on this album just has a little thing that pushes the song over the edge, that makes it just that much more diverse that it makes a difference.

[@alifionarendra7960]

One of my fav dream pop album!

[@Pacmilio]

10: 0 9: 5 (Mouth Moods, Common As Light And Love Are Red Valleys Of Blood, A Crow Looked At Me, Pure Comedy, Saturation) 8: 31 DAMN.: 35 6: 30 5: 24 4: 7 3: 3 2: 3 (Narkopop, Teenage Emotions, 17) 1: 0 No Score/Quickies: 25 Not Good: 4 (HNDRXX, Memories... Do Not Open, One More Light, Come Over When You're Sober, Pt. 1) Meme reviews: 3 (Pink Season, Shine, Ether)

[@MrChrisStingray]

Love the FJM shirt! I love ALVVAYS! Freaking I love the first album too. You didn't like it? Oh well

[@EverythingIsMacabre]

Thank you so much for this review! I know you kind of passed off the first one, but this newer take agrees with my thoughts a good bit of the time.

[@eugenioschirato8353]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it ❤

[@TH3SK8T3R125]

Alvvays is amazing.

[@ComedicPause]

Woah, was not expecting this Melon surprise

[@Emozisbit]

First time I've completely agreed with you.

[@ChampGnionsYT]

Alvvays coming early to watch my favorite melon ^u^

[@thesilenthero422]

Good review, I'll check this out

[@ming6398]

I'm counting how many times he pushes his glasses up

[@RogerHeathers]

Love you Father John Misty shirt!

[@hayleyxu9896]

favourite song guys? Mine's not my baby I'm so glad he liked this album, it really is one of the best this year (imo)

[@kennybob3096]

Plimsoll Punks

[@ThexHoneyBadger]

Fear Fun Father John Misty shirt? MY MELON!!

[@alifa9675]

you r not controlling me fantano! i give this record strong 8

[@AM-dt8gb]

Nobody asks where did Melonhead get his t-shirts?

[@am__-tr4ki]

This is a fantastic album

[@guitarslf132]

best album of the year hands down the end.

[@kennybob3096]

Best album of the year by Exclaim Magazine.

[@loiseaunoir1021]

The video of Dreams Tonite is amazing.

[@benaaronmusic]

This band is good. Thanks for the heads up, Anthony.

[@hoboken3971]

OMFG IM SO GLAD YOU LIKED IT

[@EverythingHyrum]

Ironically, I got an add for this album (which is how I found it) right before I watched this video

[@Cedrou21]

How is In Undertow not in the best tracks tho.

[@TalesfromtheCradle]

You know when he got the Fear Fun shirt, it's about to get real.

[@lucascozzi6906]

Nice T-shirt melon.

[@DannyHauger]

If you're interested in dropping a review for my new album after writing a song a week, it would be cool to hear it. Thanks for reviewing this, I agree on the evolution of the band since 2014, I like the dreamy twist you mentioned.

[@bigballerbrandon1]

It's never too late to review Daniel Caesar

[@moneyatslander]

Alvvays is perfection though I will cop an 8 rating for scale.