The Stolen’s self-titled debut is a pure wonder

New Jersey four-piece The Stolen have released their debut album, and I can confirm that it has stolen my heart.

OK, wow, that was a bad joke. Regardless of my horrible sense of humor, though, the album is honestly amazing.

I first fell in love with indie-rockers The Stolen last year after seeing them open for The Wrecks. Ever since, I’ve been anxiously awaiting the day when they would bless us with a full album. Finally, that day has come.

The band had released several tracks from the album before its official release date, including lead single “Overboard.” This is the song that initially made me a fan of The Stolen. It is the second song on the album, following the instrumental track “Jersey,” and it really sets the tone of the record. It is incredibly catchy, and it has an impressively groovy bass line courtesy of bassist Kevin Smart. It promises that a truly spectacular album follows.

Fellow single “Change the Record” is another standout track. With 80s influenced synth-pop melodies and a stunning vocal performance by lead singer Dominick Cuce, this song is sure to get everyone singing along.

My personal favorite from the album, “Millennial,” is one of the two collaborative tracks on the record, featuring singer/producer Patternist. “Millennial” is the perfect blend of existential lyrics and heart-thumping percussion that truly shows off the lyrical and musical capabilities of the group.

 “Rooftop” is the other collaboration on the album, and this stellar track features singer Jake Miller. With a dance-able beat yet a serious message, I think this song in particular has the capacity to reach a broad audience. Tackling the issue of mental health is not easy task, but The Stolen manage to do so with ease.

“Stuck” is another favorite of mine from this album. Cuce’s vocals in the chorus are powerful and remarkably executed, and it is largely due to this song that I am in constant awe of his talent.

Drummer Mike Chiarappa takes over vocal duties on track 7, “Before You Were Gone.” The emotional song gives me major The 1975 vibes, and it’s at this point in the album where the pure genius of this group really hits you.

Guitarist Rob Chiarappa then lends his vocal abilities to track 10, “This Is Good For You, Yeah?,” proving that the talent in the Chiarappa family apparently knows no bounds. This song marks another mellow and emotional point in the album, helping to balance the ever-so-delicate ballad-to-bop ratio that is present on any good record.  

Closing song “If I Left Tomorrow (Will I Stay Here When I Die?)” is a god-tier closing track. By that I mean that it is perfectly anthemic and beautifully dynamic. The instrumentation on this track is phenomenal, particularly the saxophone solo during the bridge. I feel like this song could play out a brilliant indie movie. You know the song that plays as the protagonists drive into the sunset and everything fades to black and the credits start rolling? This is that song. (Side note: someone please let me soundtrack a movie.)

This album is truly one of the best of the year. And if this review isn’t enough to convince you of The Stolen’s absolute brilliance, go see them on their headlining tour this summer. I promise that their live show does not disappoint.

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