I’ve been anticipating All The Times We Had since I first heard “On My Way” last Summer and things have only improved for West Coast quartet Ivan & Alyosha. Signing to Dualtone Records (home of The Lumineers, ), an addictive acoustic EP and being featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series all pave the way for a big 2013. The band’s harmonious sounds float between indie rock, americana and folk rock and are ideal for fans of Lord Huron, Band of Horses and the Lumineers.
It could have been circumstance, but All The Times We Had was an excellent album for my recent journey from Atlanta to Michigan. “Be Your Man” is an magnificent album opener with stomp-ready percussion and driving rhythms, while “Easy To Love” features slight reverb and paced tempo echoes the lyrics as easy to get caught up in. “On My Way” gets new life with electric guitar and enchanting drums after I nearly exhausted the acoustic version over the past year. It was seemed tailor-made considering the 11 hour drive through the GA and TN mountains over a week ago. The title track features Aimee Mann and cranks up the elegance with subtle strings that paint an apt landscape for the dramatic tone. “Running For Cover” might be the Seattle band’s biggest track with bubbling strings that culminate in the harmonious hook ripe for a live sing-a-long. However, my current favorite “Don’t Wanna Die Anymore” might give it a run for top track award with head-nodding folk pop leanings.
Purchase via Amazon or iTunes and stream All The Times We Had at NPR or Spotify free.