In the ever-shifting landscape of indie rock, some sounds linger in the memory, haunting the playlists and sparking a collective yearning for something familiar. Take, for instance, the ghost of Ovlov—a shoegazy indie rock crew whose recent output has been relatively quiet since their celebrated 2021 release, Buds.
Despite the hiatus, the seeds of their sound continue to sprout. Last year, the band provided fans with some tantalizing demos, offering glimpses into the beautiful, atmospheric sonic world they inhabit. While the full-scale album cycle paused, the creative energy didn’t completely evaporate; it merely settled into quieter, more personal explorations.
The musicians themselves remain active. Frontman Steve Hartlett continues to release his own solo music, offering fresh perspectives that keep the creative flame burning brightly. Meanwhile, drummer Theo Hartlett is channeling his rhythmic genius in a new context, finding an unexpected stage as a guitarist in the venue Gouge Away.
This sense of ongoing movement and reinvention culminated recently in a fantastic surprise. Today, the musical world got a delightful injection of nostalgia and sheer awesomeness when the band Mannequin Pussy stepped up to cover Ovlov. The resulting performance was a vibrant testament to the enduring appeal of their dreamy, layered sound.
It’s a perfect reminder that even when bands take a pause, the spirit of music endures. The connection between these artists and the audience is palpable, proving that some sounds are timeless and always welcome back into the spotlight.
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Credit: Stereogum
