Stereolab is back with their first album in 15 years, titled “Instant Holograms On Metal Film“. This new album features 13 new studio recordings and is played by Laetitia Sadier, Tim Gane, Andy Ramsay, Joe Watson, and Xavi Muñoz.
It also includes contributions from Cooper Crain and Rob Frye of Bitchin Bajas, Ben LaMar Gay (composer and jazz multi-instrumentalist), Holger Zapf (Cavern of Anti Matter), Marie Merlet (Monade), and Molly Read, among others.
On “Holograms On Metal Film“, Stereolab have distilled their sound and made a dazzling return. One of the album’s most striking moments is when Laetitia sings, “I’m the creator of this reality” on ‘Vermona F Transistor’. Stereolab has influenced some of today’s best artists (Jane Weaver, Melody’s Echo Chamber, Dummy, Gwenno etc), and the reality she sings of is one only these people together could make. Getting lost in their technicolour world will always be such a pleasure. If they come back soon or if it’s another 15 years, it seems unlikely they’ll ever be taken for granted again.
Stereolab took an even longer break than Chicago Underground Duo, although there has been some touring since they last released an album, “Not Music“, in 2010. There’s not a trace of rust to be found on this album as it unwinds as a total treat. Compositionally and instrumentally, everything falls into place, and Laetitia Sadier’s voice remains one of the treasures of modern music. Overall, this album compares very well to Stereolab’s earlier work.
The Fat Angel Sings 