Ivan & Alyosha: It’s All Just Pretend

While the name Ivan & Alyosha might be misleading – those unawares might assume it refers to a pair of Russian ballet dancers – it actually belongs to a Seattle quartet that borrowed that handle from the central characters in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s classic novel The Brothers Karamazov. According to their Wikipedia page, “The two characters hold opposite views of the world, Ivan believing that because ‘all things are permitted’ i.e. sin, that God is dead. Alyosha on the other hand contends that all things are not permitted, and that this is evidence of God’s existence. This is a [classic] clash of logical integrity, as both brothers have logically valid arguments, but only one can be right.”

Literate, yes, Literal no. In actual fact, they take their cue from the unabashedly effusive sound purveyed by the likes of the Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, Fun. and other outfits that tend to combine populist appeal with a seductive pop sensibility. Band members Tim Wilson (vocals, guitar), Ryan Carbary (guitar, vocals). Pete Wilson (bass, vocals), Tim Kim (guitar, vocals) and Cole Mauro (drums), along with friends and fellow travelers, are obviously astute, making it little wonder that they’ve been able to effectively build on their rapidly burgeoning fan base. Consistent support from NPR and seemingly nonstop touring have also aided in their ascent.

Suffice it to say, this creative combo deserves all the kudos they’ve received so far. It’s especially astonishing that they’ve achieved those accolades on the basis of only one album. Then again, its title, All the Times We Had, suggests that they wasted no time when it came to shoring up their brand. Consequently, with only that previous LP and a pair of EPs paving the way, It’s All Just Pretend finds them accelerating that momentum, making the case that they’re well deserving of being labeled the next big buzz band. While songs like “Something Is Wrong”, “Come Rain, Come Shine” and the title track appear to be stirred with softer sentiments, it’s the anthemic arrangements that dominate overall and which find them soaring on the strength of pent up passion. Still, it’s best when they manage to find middle ground. “Oh This Love” and “Tears in Your Eyes” start off simply enough, but it’s the added embellishment that elevates them overall.

That said, It’s All Just Pretend is, at its name implies, a generally unassuming effort overall. It’s a credit to their talent that they’re content to simply make good, unpretentious music that radiates such an exceedingly good vibe. Seattle may be known for its overcast conditions and punk insurgency, but Ivan & Alyosha take no heed; this is a sunny sound to say the least. If there’s anything at all that might deter them it may be that name, a handle that’s wholly at odds with the uplifting imagery they purvey.

Consequently, those hoping for an immediate connection will find It’s All Just Pretend the very real deal.