“I would like to think that the songs on this album are all pop songs at the core,” says Steve Hartlett, the band’s songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist. On first blush, Buds won’t shock longtime Ovlov fans, but on repeat listens, those fuzzy, crushing guitars start to feel less like the central focus and more of a delivery system for Hartlett’s grander ambitions. “For the past few years, the number of rock bands I’ve been listening to has grown smaller and smaller,” says Hartlett. “Unfortunately, it’s the only genre and style I’ve ever really felt comfortable writing. That’s probably mostly because I write everything on a guitar. Don’t get me wrong, I love rock music—there’s nothing more satisfying than playing an E chord through a Big muff as loud as the amp will go—I just want to slowly progress into writing the most perfectly poppy of pop songs.” Buds is dense and dark, but Hartlett’s assertion is dead-on: these are just big, bold pop songs. It’s still Ovlov, but a more assured version, one that isn’t so shy about putting their ambitions on full display.
Release date:
January 5, 2024
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Edenbridge Set the Dark on Fire [2xLP]
Steamhammer
January 16, 2026 -
Yes Fly From Here Return Trip [2xLP]
Spirit of Unicorn
November 28, 2025 -
Elles Bailey Can't Take My Story Away (Bone)
Cooking Vinyl
January 16, 2026 -
Alter Bridge Alter Bridge [2xLP]
Napalm Records
January 9, 2026 -
Motley Cr?e Theatre of Pain (40th Anniversary; Orange Haze)
Bmg
November 14, 2025 -
Clark Steep Stims [2xLP]
Throttle
November 21, 2025 -
One of Nine Dawn Of The Iron Shadow
Profound Lore
October 31, 2025 -
New Found Glory Listen Up! (Amazon Exclusive)
Pure Noise Records
February 20, 2026 -
Ludovico Einaudi & Leo Einaudi Einaudi V Einaudi
Decca UK
October 24, 2025 -
Beverly Glenn-Copeland Laughter in Summer (Pink)
Transgressive
February 6, 2026 -
Wide Uncrossing the Keys
20 Buck Spin
October 31, 2025 -
The Bats Corner Coming Up
Flying Nun
October 24, 2025 -
Leprous An Evening of Atonement [3xLP]
Inside Out Music
October 24, 2025 -
TAPE TRASH EDEN (Evergreen Opaque)
Tiny Engines
December 5, 2025