Exclusive Video Premiere: Ivan & Alyosha, ‘Oh This Love’ (Cabin Sessions)

Regardless of how many members Seattle indie folk outfit Ivan & Alyosha add, there's a certain level of intimacy that runs through everything they do. Named after characters from Dostoevsky's novel The Brothers Karamazov, the band began as a duo consisting of Tim Wilson and Ryan Carbary. But the ever-expanding creativity and sonic scope of I&A eventually saw the band evolve into a five-piece with Tim Kim, Cole Mauro and Tim Wilson's brother, Pete.

With an immersive sound rooted in acoustic, roots-driven folk, Ivan & Alyosha also demonstrate strong pop sensibilities that make all of their songs feel both intricate and accessible, pertaining to complex emotions that are universal but intensely personal. On their recently released second full-length, It's All Just Pretend, the band flourish as a five-piece with lush arrangements that feel like the work of a true collective. Still, when you strip away most of the instrumentation, you're left with a group of incredibly talented musicians who can inspire and induce tears with little more than the sound of their voices.  And that's exactly what they demonstrate in the video above.

Diffuser is extremely proud to present the "Cabin Sessions" video for "Oh This Love," recorded on a dock outside a cabin in Washington (where they recorded 2012's The Cabin Sessions EP). It's a song that Carbary told us has two separate meanings. "'Oh This Love' is a song written about my wife and concurrently about God as well," he said. "This love is always patient, kind and graceful with me when I find myself falling short in dealing with the troubles of the world. When I'm foolish, it's forgiving."

And for those really paying attention, Carbary said there are some aural references within the song. "There's a nod to Boudleaux Bryant’s ‘Love Hurts’ which was recorded by Roy Orbison and the Everly Brothers with the some of the borrowed imagery he uses about love, but put in a different light.”

Give it a spin and let us know what you think. In the meantime, check out where you'll be able to catch I&A in person below.

Ivan & Alyosha tour dates: