Stove
Greatest Hits

Greatest Hits brings together the two EPs by Stove (for those unworthy who didn't know, this is the solo project of Steve Hartlett, the singer of Ovlov) released in this 2016 under Exploding In Sound "Is A Toad In The Rain" and "Is The Meat That Fell Out".

The initial one-two lets the melted fat of the fuzz from the first LP (Is Stupider) drain away to enter a dimension of auteur lo-fi pop reminiscent of Tweedy (Wilco), but in my region, melted lard is used to dress even the most delicate salads (with included beans and onions), and the melodic obesity returns to flow between Pumpk-ian melancholia (Mrs. Robertson) and noise-chords streams of consciousness (Wiggle), with shades of a la Deerhunter (Tiny Gaze) or openings to the post-rock world (The Oregon Trail); The first part of the album solidifies and liquefies constantly, but under the layers of memory, even the fiercest sun slowly fades away.

https://explodinginsoundrecords.bandcamp.com/album/is-a-toad-in-the-rain

The second part exacerbates nostalgia and melancholy: the acoustic and bitter The Meat contrasts with the crunchy and sharp Bubblegum Lightning, both united in a long embrace of memories, pain, and resignation. In this alternative/lo-fi world, we can find J Mascis accompanied by a female vocalist (Blank), the best of Built To Spill (I’d Walk A Mile For A Camel). And as per Ovlov tradition, wrapping it all up with guitar wall sound and an epic solo (+ surprise). #Neveradisappointment

https://explodinginsoundrecords.bandcamp.com/album/is-the-meat-that-fell-out

In this 2016, I have liked the lo-fi encyclopedias of people like Car Seat Headrest and Teen Suicide, knowing that my dear Steve/Stove has done something similar means TOP 5 for the end of the year.