Bumbershoot

Ivan & Alyosha—the Seattle combo which borrows its name from a pair of characters from Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov—delivers its songs of struggle, perseverance and spirituality with a resilient, upbeat attitude that’s reflected in its bubbly brew of stirringly strummed folk-rock guitars, surging instrumental interaction and a bright, buoyant blend of voices that reflects the band members’ family-style camaraderie. The result is a timeless pop ideal that’s as emotionally affecting as it is pleasing to the ear.