I picked this album up because it said it sounded like Adult Jazz and Dirty Projectors, two of my favorite bands; it definitely lived up to that high expectation. Stolen Jars sophomore album Kept has a really good sound for fall: upbeat and clean, with simple lyrics sung over a cacophony of perfectly arranged yet strange effects.
“Another November” is one of my favorites, with Molly Grund singing instead of Cody Fitzgerald, who sings most of the songs. The guitar riffs in Waves and the intro to Kept are both reminiscent of Vampire Weekend – both bands have that Northeast sound, though Stolen Jars’ hometown is Montclair, New Jersey. “Wreaths Rakes” is another track sung by Grund, where a Dirty Projectors influence comes in with her Deradoorian-like staccato. This album is beautifully layered, and intricate without being overwhelming – any song would be good for the radio, and would fit well with electronic, folk, or indie rock – it’s a perfect combination of the three genres.
Recommended If You Like: Adult Jazz, Dirty Projectors, Architecture in Helsinki, Vampire Weekend
Recommended Tracks: 3, 7, 5, 1, 2, 10, 10
Do Not Play: None
Written by Allison McFall on 09/16/15