Alex and Ryland met in 1997 in High School. Both were avid guitar players and both played in local bands with varying degrees of accolade. Alex got Ryland a job waiting tables at "Mr. Deli's Jewish Delicatessan," in Boca Raton, Florida. A few years later, Alex went off to pursue a degree in the culinary arts while Ryland procured his BFA in Acting. The two lost touch for seven years. Ivy League formed in August of 2005 when Ryland discovered that his old friend Alex was not only still playing music but living just ten minutes away from him in Brooklyn, NY. The duo quickly began writing songs together. They hope you enjoy their music as much as they do.
Reviews:
Ivy League's debut EP London Bridges is a quiet and tuneful affair. The duo (Alex Suarez on guitar, drums, vocals, and beats, and Ryland Blackinton on guitar, bass, vocals and synth) tread lightly and politely while creating some very lovely indie pop. Their voices are hushed and sweet, twining around each other in blissful harmony. The guitars are mainly acoustic and gentle, the drums and keys tasteful and carefully arranged. Only on "P is for Penelope," when the guitars turn electric and charge into wild double-tracked solos is the mood of repose broken, and their appearance only adds a welcome boost of energy to the proceedings. The four tracks are each melodious and memorable; "June" sounds like a strong Simon & Garfunkel album track with a walking through the leaf-strewn park feel, and their cover of Arcade Fire's "Crown of Love" turns the drama way down and improves the song no end. Fans of the left-for-dead Quiet is the New Loud school as headed up by Kings of Convenience will see Ivy League as kindred spirits and this EP a harbinger of great things to come.
"Wow, I can see a lot of folks going nuts for this folky pop duo when they finally get a record out especially for "London Bridges", which is just breathtaking! Reference points include Simon & Garfunkel, Camera Obscura and Blueboy"
"I discovered Ivy League as many outside the New York region did: when IndiePages featured them in their "Demo of the Week" section. And as the weeks passed, I listened to the songs provided for download and I longed to hear more. Shortly after the IndiePages feature, they signed to TwentySeven Records and, other than numerous shows in the New York area, little has been heard since.
The duo plays catchy folk-pop that is heavily reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel in both vocal stylings and instrumentation. The S&G nod is especially apparent in "June," with folky guitar riffs and lyrics like "Have you met my lover/she's twice my age..." that conjure images of a more modern-day version of The Graduate and "Mrs. Robinson." With hand claps and superb harmonies, "June" is bound to have indie-pop fans fall to the floor in worship. "London Bridges" is the acclaimed IndiePages favorite, adding a jangly guitar and an upbeat shuffle. "Viola" has strong hints of Sweden's Acid House Kings, who sell their latest album and EP in the US through TwentySeven. While it's only a matter of time before we begin hearing about their debut album, any time is too long to wait for more news from Ivy Leage."
Sounding like a blend of Simon and Garfunkel, Camera Obscura and labelmates Acid House Kings, Alex and Ryland make dreamy pop music characterized by sugar-sweet harmonies and catchy acoustic and electric guitars. The first single, "London Bridges" from their forthcoming album will be released August 1st on the fabulous Twentyseven Records. This cover (Crown of Love) appears as b-side on the single and as is not typically the case with covers, it's definitely a standout.
If I remember correctly, I believe this song has been covered by other artists, but this is first time I've ever heard the song not done by the Arcade Fire. First of all, the song works VERY well in an acoustic arrangement which takes some of the emphasis off of the music and focuses more on the beautiful lyrics of the song. Alex and Ryland's harmonizing is also a plus, as it is with all of their music. The vocals are definitely their (very) strong point.
I also highly recommend downloading their single "London Bridges", as it happens to be a equally fantastic pop tune and I can't seem to get it out of my head.
thank you guys so soooo much for adding me back, that means a lot! today i had an awful day, and when i got into your myspace and i heard london bridges, everything seemed a little less stressful so thanks for everything so i hope to see you guys soon, with cobra starship or as This Is Ivy League, on Mexico(: love youuu guyys
heya This Is Ivy League ... im so glad & thankful that you added me.. thank U especially for the music U creat.. success & happiness.. SeSita loves Uuuuu...mmmmpuaaaahh..
heyyoh loves, i love the songs alot. hope there's more coming soon! your lyrics are very good and i dunno but they just mean alot. it actualy speaks out... wow i probably sound crazy. eh! well anyways, keep up the good work too and hopefully all is well with you and cobra. I'd love to get a reply back from you... but who doesnt?
i finally got my cd yesterday. just. wow. it's amazing. lmao. my dad was trying to read alex's signature, he was like, "ryland and... al?" "alex, dad." "it says al." rofl.
I got the album in the mail on Monday and I love it! The new versions of the songs and the new songs are great. Plus, I love that it was signed. I hope to see you two perform in the near future.
Way to go guys. I was scrolling through the stations on XM Satellite Radio today and what do I come across........ "Love Is Impossible". I had a little freak out session and then proceeded to turn it up and jam to it lol. i'm lame like that. BUT I thought you might like to know.
Like every year we’ll offer you a completely free SXSW CD !
Finally, I’ve made my decision for the following 21 tracks by 21 great artists and dj’s. Be quick, because we don’t know, how long these tracks will be available for your pleasure ! All 21 MP3-files are downloadable FOR FREE !
You can download the cover and inlay artwork on my profile! Just go to the photo section and choose SXSW....(-:
SXSW Compilation 2008 - Tracklist
01 BRITISH SEA POWER – „Waving Flags“ 02 AIR TRAFFIC – „Shooting Star“ 03 HEY WILLPOWER – „Hundredaire“ 04 NOAH AND THE WHALE – „2 Bodies 1 Heart“ 05 OH NO! OH MY! – „Walk In the Park 06 JENS LEKMAN – „The Opposite Of Hallelujah“ 07 FANFARLO – „Fire Escape“ 08 BO PEPPER – „Blinkandyou’llmissit!“ 09 THE INDELICATES – „Julia, We Don’t Live In the 60s“ 10 GEORGIE JAMES – „Need Your Needs“ 11 LOOK SEE PROOF – „Casualty“ 12 THE VON BONDIES – „Pale Bride 13 JOE LEAN AND THE JING JANG JONG – „Lonely Buoy“ 14 THE REDWALLS – „Summer Romance“ 15 THE PIGEON DETECTIVES – „I’m Not Sorry“ 16 THE STEPS – „Belle“ 17 THE VOOM BLOOMS – „Nine Ships“ 18 I WAS A CUB SCOUT – „Pink Squares“ 19 THE WHIP – „Trash“ 20 THE GOSSIP – „Yr Mangled Heart“ (Guns N Bombs Remix) 21 BONDE DO ROLE – „Office Boy“ (Shir Khan Remix)
