Ovlov - Am (Album Review)

 

Ovlov - Am (2013)

My copy: 2023 repress on purple/clear galaxy vinyl by Exploding In Sound Records

Connecticut's Ovlov got their name by inverting the car brand “Volvo,” which immediately conveys the sort of nonchalant, heart-on-our-sleeve ethos that flows through their slacker (but not too slacker) style of indie shoegazing. Their full-length debut was happily snapped up by Jersey’s Exploding In Sound Records, which makes sense given the band’s proclivity for feedback squeals and heavy bass/guitar combos. 

Out of the shoegaze resurgence of the 2010’s, Ovlov rejected the idea that their music had to be devoid of clear pop appeal, which is probably the reason for their most common comparison (to Dinosaur Jr.) along with frontman Steve Hartlett’s sedated, nasally croon that just barely crests over the waves of distortion. Ovlov also borrows the guitar hero sensibilities of J Mascis, though here on Am the solos are usually sloppy and crazed enough that they make for effective eyebrow-raisers. 

What sets Ovlov apart from the crowd of similar bands is an impeccable and underrated sense of melody - contracting Sadie Dupuis (Speedy Ortiz) on a few tracks to provide an extra layer of sugar to Hartlett’s already semi-sweet vocal leads. These sing-song choruses act as proverbial honey atop the buzzing beehive of guitars that rumble below, serving up a cute juxtaposition. The songs that execute this style best are the reflective summer anthem “Grapes,” the dialed up acid-Ramones rave of “The Well” and the more patient, building spasms of “Blue Baby” and “The Great Alligator.” 

The faux punk songs (“Nu Punk,” “Really Bees,” and “There’s My Dini!”) are the least moving of the record, and do little to stand above your typical local hard-rock indie groups. At their worst Ovlov straddles pop-punk bemoaning and even includes a rambling Albini impression that misses the mark. 

But the highs of Am peddle this charming, suburban fantasy of DIY warriors who aren’t afraid to dial up the distortion while they sing songs about their missing cats.