Stove

Stove is an indie rock project from Connecticut, United States, associated with Steve Hartlett and Alex Molini. It begins as the solo outlet of Steve Hartlett, who also uses the name Stove Van Borden in connection with the project. After the end of Ovlov, Hartlett starts writing for Stove, drawing on songs originally intended for Ovlov’s second album and reshaping them into a new direction.

Recording and line-up

The debut album, Is Stupider, is written and performed by Hartlett alone. He records the bass, guitar, drums and vocals himself over a three-day period, and the album is then mixed and recorded at The Barn in rural Panton, Vermont. The record involves producers Nick Dooley and Dan Francia, who are both associated with Brooklyn band Flagland. Live performances begin to use a rotating group of friends and musicians around Hartlett’s songs, while the project is also identified as a group with Alex Molini as a member.

Style and themes

Stove’s music is described as having a loose, shifting identity rather than a fixed concept. The songs combine fuzzy guitar melodies, hazy textures and lyrics that balance heavier life choices with humour, alcohol and weed. The sound is framed as expansive and emotionally direct, with a sarcastic but hopeful outlook.

Artwork and presentation

The artwork for Is Stupider is by Ben Prisk, known for his background art on Squidbillies. The visual presentation is tied to the record’s swirling guitars and dreamlike feel.