I discovered Ivy League, as did many outside the New York region, 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 styling and instrumentation. The S&G nod is especially apparent in “June”, with folk-y 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 this duo’s debut album, any time to wait is too long for more news from Ivy League!
This review was originally posted June 11, 2006 on the old version of FensePost. The band now goes by the moniker This Is Ivy League.
