When I heard Steve Hartlett’s previous band Ovlov for the first time, it was like a revelation. Their music impacted me in a profound way; the loud guitars and corroded production of their debut Am made for a stupefying listening experience. While Ovlov is now no more, Stove is, in many ways, a new and improved version of the band I loved. Is Stupider delivers on many of the things I loved about Ovlov while still showing an artistic progression from Hartlett himself.

This is a very insular album, which is unsurprising considering that Hartlett recorded almost every noise on this album by himself. The lyrics often deal with introspection, self-deprecation and self-loathing; the first words on the album are “don’t know who I am, so I act like who I’m with,” and many other lyrics contain similar sentiments. Admittedly, it takes some careful listening to understand what is being said, as the vocals are often placed low in the mix.

Even with the common lyrical themes that weave through the albums, the songwriting is wonderfully varied and interesting. Songs such as “Wet Food” and “Dumboy” deliver on the loud guitars and bewitching melodies Steve Hartlett is known for, while the cowpunk-ish “Jock Dreams” and the slow-building “Dusty Weather” expand his sound in interesting new directions.

“Dusty Weather” in particular is one of my favorite songs on the album. It starts as one of the gentlest songs in his discography; the beat is simple, the bass is steady, the guitar glistens and shines around Hartlett’s hushed singing. The song continues on like this until the end when an explosive guitar solo burns the track in a moment of pure catharsis. Hartlett’s music has always drawn comparisons to fellow New Englanders Dinosaur Jr. and it’s easy to see why: Hartlett is one of the most effusive guitar players this side of Dinosaur’s J. Mascis.

I cannot recommend this album enough; for those students who enjoy ‘90s alternative rock or just want an interesting album to listen to, I highly suggest that you give this album a try. It is, without a doubt, one of my favorite albums of the year, and I look forward to hearing more from this band.