OVLOV at The Pearl, Vancouver, Mar 28 2025. Ray Maichin photo.
Review & Photos – OVLOV at The Pearl, Vancouver, Mar 28 2025
“Yo, we appreciate the enthusiasm. But please warn people first before you stage dive,” pled Ovlov’s bemused vocalist and guitarist Steve Hartlett after a particularly overzealous and lanky young fan leapt off the Pearl stage, proceeding to belly flop onto the venue floor. The fan in question was thankfully uninjured, and his energy was indicative of the celebratory mood at the Newtown, Connecticut band’s first ever show in Vancouver.
Since 2009, Ovlov have released a trio of well-received, full-length records, endearing fans of shoegaze, punk, and indie rock to their fusion of overblown guitar attack akin to Dinosaur Jr. and melodic sensibilities from alternative rock greats including Nirvana and Pixies. With local shoegaze and alternative rock bands, such as La Lune and Bloom Effect, seeing increased exposure in the Vancouver music scene, it is not surprising that Ovlov’s music resonates with the local community. After over 15 years of activity, this tour marked the band’s first venture to the West Coast, and the anticipation was palpable amongst the crowd.
In spite of a particularly busy Friday night music schedule (thanks to a dearth of JUNOS’ live music showcases happening in Vancouver over the weekend), Ovlov packed the Pearl with fans ecstatic to welcome the band to Western Canada.
Much like the previously mentioned Dinosaur Jr., Ovlov’s set was carried by tuneful catchiness and ear blistering guitar work that has defined their musical output. Though without much on-stage theatrics or movement, Hartlett was affable and appreciative and frequently chatted with the crowd between songs. This was particularly impressive as, as Hartlett shared, he was overcoming a bad bout of food poisoning via food truck sushi.
From the third song onward, the energy did not let up, with many a brave soul crowd-surfing even when the band required a mid-set tuning break. Ovlov delivered a satisfying collection of songs for a Vancouver crowd that had waited arguably far too long to hear them in a live setting. Their set was heavy on material from their most recent release, 2021’s Buds, and their breakthrough debut, Am, along with material from across their catalogue.
With The Pearl’s 10 pm curfew drawing the band’s set to a somewhat abrupt close, the band expressed their sincere gratitude for the turnout they received. Considering the reception they received from their fans, optimism is high that the group will return soon. As the crowd dispersed into the rainy Vancouver night, the positivity was undeniable.
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