Ivan & Alyosha: Live in Somerville 1.19.12

Photo by Alex Crick (http://backbeatseattle.com)Words // Scott Pingeton

I stumbled onto Ivan & Alyosha's excellent Fathers Be Kind EP fairly late in 2011, but it didn't take long for it to earn a spot on my year-end favorite EPs list.  Lush harmonies and pop sensibilities made it an easy listen, and listen I did - over and over and over.  A sure favorite for fans other PNW exports Fleet Foxes and The Head And The Heart.

When i heard the band would be warming the Somerville Theater stage for Aimee Mann, I promptly marked my calendar.  Seeing a band for the first time usually means a late night in an Allston or Cambridge club, which is great and all - but I am old and lame now, inching ever closer to 30.  Needless to say, the early start time, cushy theater setting and middle-aged Aimee Mann crowd suited me just fine, thanks.  Joking aside, one of the benefits of a theater vs. rock club is the sound, and the Somerville Theater was perfectly suited for the band's soaring harmonies.

As the band took the stage I was surprised to see 4 mics lined up across the front of the stage and no drum set.  Percussion was limited to tambourine, and frequent clapping/stomping.  The rest of the band traded off acoustic guitars, an electric guitar and all contributed vocals.  The band kept the crowd, which started small and steadily filled-in throughout their set, interested with songs off Fathers Be Kind, plus a heavy dose of new material.  Likeable between-song banter kept the mood relaxed and if the job of the opening band is to get whet the crowd's musical appetite and get them engaged - Ivan & Alyosha did just that.  "I Was Born To Love Her" opened the set, "Fathers Be Kind" was a late-set favorite that received a roaring ovation and the capacity crowd happily clapped and sang-along with the set-closing "Glorify".  Judging by the line at the band's merch table and comments overheard from those around me, I'd say the band won over some new fans.  I can't wait for them to return for a longer, headlining set in one of those aforementioned clubs.

The full set is available for stream/download below.  Sound is generally very good, with some limited crowd noise.  Thanks to the sound crew/staff at the Somerville Theater and of course to Ivan & Alyosha for allowing me to tape.  Enjoy the recording and please support the band.

Ivan & Alyosha
Somerville Theater - Somerville, MA
January 19, 2012

I Was Born To Love Her
Unknown / New?
Easy To Love
New Song
New Song
Unknown / New?
Unknown / New?
Fathers Be Kind
Glorify