New Music Critiques: The Stolen

NJ-based band the Stolen remind us of the 1975––quite catchy and commercial, spearheaded by feel-good funk-infected tunes and singer Dom Cuce’s spunk and passion at the mic. “I’m So Dead,” “Can’t Get Enough” and “Chardonnay” all have a danceable, radio-friendly polish that should pique the interest of alt-rock/pop-rock labels. The band handles its simple, straight-ahead material ably, particularly the drummer, who leads from the rear with spot-on timing and a perfect tone. There’s definitely an audience for this sound (especially among the ladies) as the songs deal with relationship struggles and the pursuit of the perfect girlfriend. Film/TV party scenes would be ideal homes for these tunes.