Alvvays bring new songs and ballroom dancing to Reading 2015

Filled with waltzing, pirouetting punters and spangling lighters held aloft, Reading’s Festival Republic tent has transformed into a cider-fuelled version of Strictly Come Dancing. As the slow-burning, reflective ‘Party Police’ rings out amid the pogoing balloons and misted lights, the crowd is lapping it all up like free cake on a street corner, and Alvvays - who normally play slots far earlier on in the day - find themselves perfectly suited to the twilight hours.

Molly Rankin’s quietly in full command, and amid all of the pandemonium taking place elsewhere across the site, it’s a joyous, effortless moment from a band right at the top of their game. Alvvays’ eponymous debut - a stand-out from last year - shines brightest, skipping through sugary melodies. It’s also a set filled with new songs - there are four in total. Alvvays peak with ‘Archie, Marry Me’ which soon spreads like wildfire into a tent. By the end they have Festival Republic behind them.