Stove started as the solo project of Ovlov singer Steve Hartlett, but it has since expanded into a band featuring Mike Hammond, Jordyn Blakely and Alex Molini.
Stove are working on their upcoming sophomore LP but took a breather from debut follow-up pressures to release Is the Meat That Fell Out, their second EP in the interim since debut Is Stupider. Recorded in bassist Alex Molini’s bedroom, this lethargic and bubbly seven-song set follows September’s Is a Toad in the Rain.
The slightly ridiculous album cover is somewhat deceiving in its humor — although it is pretty disheartening to drop a precious technicolored taco. “The Meat,” potentially referring to the unfortunate passing of the album cover’s…
…splattered tortilla, is a glossy track topped off by Hartlett coolly whining, “Fake a smile and lie to you/ It’s been a while since I had to/ See my friends move on and live.” It’s one of several captivating moments on a bedroom pop record filled with plenty of fuzz and a gentle pop sensibility.