Stolen Days make a thrilling first statement with their self-titled debut album, a ten-track collision of hip-hop, dream-pop, indie, psychedelia and cinematic experimentation.
Formed by producers Dub Sonata and Alex Fitts of The Kickdrums, the duo follow ‘Butterfly’ and ‘Daydream’ with new single ‘No Need For Alarm’. Driven by an irresistible bassline, pulsing synth melody and tight kick-snare groove, the track creates the perfect platform for Fitts’ confident vocal.
Yet pinning the album to any single sound quickly becomes impossible. ‘Under My Skin’ combines pop immediacy with noughties hip-hop production and sweeping strings, while ‘The Room’ slips brilliantly between 90s hip-hop and Bristolian trip-hop.
Elsewhere, ‘Vicki’ embraces mid-noughties indie-pop, ‘Stolen Days’ drifts into glorious sunlit psychedelia and ‘The Moment’ slows everything down with brooding guitars and heartfelt melodies.
The closing ‘Faith Pt 1’ and ‘Faith Pt 2’ complete the transformation, moving from atmospheric late-night textures towards beautifully exposed voice, piano and acoustic guitar.
With production experience spanning SZA, Kid Cudi and others, Stolen Days arrive with serious pedigree, but this brilliantly unpredictable debut proves they’re most exciting when following their own instincts.