Alvvays at The Fox Theatre: A Dream Pop Reverie in Oakland

The historic Fox Theatre in Oakland, CA, was the perfect setting for Alvvays‘ recent performance—a band whose ethereal sound and laid-back stage presence seemed to effortlessly blend with the venue’s vintage charm. On a night where everything aligned perfectly—the acoustics, the visuals, and the crowd’s electric energy—Alvvays delivered a mesmerizing set that felt both intimate and grand, reminding everyone why they are one of the most cherished dream-pop bands today.

From the moment Alvvays took the stage, the audience was captivated. The band’s cool, composed demeanor was immediately apparent; they moved with the kind of quiet confidence that comes from being fully immersed in their craft. Lead singer Molly Rankin’s vocals were the evening’s centerpiece—ethereal, glorious, and angelic. Her voice soared effortlessly above the dreamy, jangly guitars, and shimmering synths, painting each song with a sense of wistful beauty that’s become synonymous with the band’s sound.

The set kicked off with “Pharmacist,” the opening track from their latest album, Blue Rev. The song’s layered guitars and propulsive rhythm set the tone for the night: wistful yet energetic, introspective yet joyfully liberating. From the first chord, the crowd was all in, swaying to the beat with a collective sense of nostalgia and joy. The Fox Theatre’s acoustics were a perfect match for Alvvays’ sound, amplifying every lush harmony and reverberating bass note with pristine clarity.

One of the night’s most striking elements was the visual experience. Behind the band, opulent, fluid visuals projected colorful dreamscapes that ebbed and flowed with the music, further enhancing the ethereal atmosphere. These visuals were not just a backdrop—They felt like a natural extension of the music, as if the songs were painting themselves across the screen in real time. The band’s stage presence was understated yet magnetic; they were fully in the zone, locked into a groove that was both meticulous and seemingly effortless.

A notable and curious stage quirk was the bassist, who played with her back to the audience for the entire show, facing drummer Sheridan Riley. While it could have felt disconcerting, it added a unique dynamic to the performance. There was something entrancing about her connection with the rhythm section—like two musicians communicating in their own private language. It didn’t detract from the show; instead, it underscored the band’s sense of unity, each member working as part of a singular, fluid entity.

The setlist was a perfect mix of fan favorites and newer material, each song met with cheers and enthusiastic sing-alongs. “Dreams Tonite” was a clear highlight, its wistful melody and yearning lyrics resonating deeply with the audience. As Molly Rankin sang the opening lines, the crowd’s voices swelled to meet her, creating a beautiful moment of collective harmony. It’s a song that feels timeless—a blend of nostalgia and hope—and it clearly struck a chord with the Oakland crowd.

“Adult Diversion” brought a burst of energy, with its infectious riff and upbeat tempo prompting dancing and joyful movement throughout the theater. The band played with a sense of carefree abandon, perfectly capturing the song’s playful, exuberant spirit. The audience, reflecting that same carefree vibe, danced with abandon, filling the historic venue with a palpable sense of joy and release.

Another standout was “Easy on Your Own?” a song that showcases the band’s ability to juxtapose melancholy and buoyancy. The song’s cascading guitars and introspective lyrics created a poignant, almost cinematic atmosphere, further emphasized by the colorful visuals swirling behind the band. Rankin’s vocals, at once tender and powerful, navigated the song’s emotional peaks and valleys with effortless grace.

The crowd’s enthusiasm never waned, creating a jovial, happy-go-lucky vibe that permeated the entire evening. From the opening notes to the final chord, there was a sense of collective euphoria in the air, as if everyone in the room was experiencing the music as a shared, unspoken conversation. Alvvays fed off that energy, performing with a laid-back confidence that made it clear nothing could phase them. They were relaxed, cool, and perfectly in tune with each other, working seamlessly as a unit.

“Archie, Marry Me” one of the band’s most beloved tracks, was saved for later in the set, and it did not disappoint. The audience erupted with joy as soon as the opening chords rang out, and by the time Rankin sang the chorus, the crowd was singing louder than ever. It was one of those rare concert moments that feels truly transcendent—a song that connects so deeply that it becomes anthemic, shared between the band and their fans in a moment of pure, unfiltered bliss.

The night ended with “Atop a Cake,” a fitting closer that encapsulated the buoyant, dreamy essence of the entire performance. As the final notes faded, the audience erupted in applause, cheering for an encore that ultimately didn’t come. But no one seemed disappointed; instead, there was a sense of fulfillment, as if everyone had been part of something magical, fleeting, and unforgettable.

Alvvays’ performance at the Fox Theatre was more than just a concert—It was an experience that enveloped you in its dream-pop haze, leaving you floating somewhere between reverie and reality. The band’s effortless chemistry, the stunning visuals, and the enthusiastic crowd created a perfect storm of sensory delight. It was a night that felt timeless, much like the songs themselves—a reminder of why we fall in love with live music in the first place.

Alvvays remaining 2024 Tour Dates

All photos in this article by Rose Eden