Instant Holograms On Metal Film

Stereolab

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Review

After a 15-year hiatus, Stereolab returns with Instant Holograms on Metal Film, a radiant testament to their enduring avant-pop sensibilities. Released on 23 May 2025 via Duophonic UHF Disks and Warp Records, this eleventh studio album reaffirms the band's commitment to blending motorik rhythms, vintage synthesizers, and socio-political lyricism. The album's lead single, "Aerial Troubles," introduces listeners to a soundscape that is both familiar and refreshed. Tracks like "Melodie Is a Wound" and "If You Remember I Forgot How to Dream Pt. 1" showcase the band's signature fusion of krautrock, yé-yé pop, and electronic elements, while delving into themes of capitalist deception and social resistance. Laetitia Sadier's vocals, as ever, provide a detached yet emotive anchor, weaving through complex arrangements that incorporate contributions from new collaborators, including jazz cornetist Ben LaMar Gay and percussionist Ric Elsworth. While the absence of the late Mary Hansen's harmonies is felt, the album compensates with intricate vocal layers and a rich sonic palette. Critics have lauded the album for its warmth and creative joy, noting that it pulses with relevance in today's socio-political climate. Though not a radical departure from their previous work, Instant Holograms on Metal Film stands as a gratifying return, embodying the quintessential Stereolab essence—a mix of innovation, melodic strength, and socio-political awareness. In sum, Stereolab's latest offering is a compelling addition to their discography, reaffirming their position as pioneers of the avant-pop genre.

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Stereolab's eleventh studio album, Instant Holograms on Metal Film, marks the band's return after a 15-year hiatus, with its release on May 23, 2025, through Duophonic UHF Disks and Warp Records . The album was recorded at Press Play Studios in London . Production was led by Stereolab themselves, with significant contributions from Cooper Crain of Bitchin Bajas, who also handled engineering and mixing duties . The core lineup features founding members Laetitia Sadier and Tim Gane, joined by Andy Ramsay, Joe Watson, and Xavi Muñoz . The album also includes guest performances from Rob Frye (Bitchin Bajas), jazz cornetist Ben LaMar Gay, percussionist Ric Elsworth, Holger Zapf (Cavern of Anti-Matter), and vocalists Marie Merlet and Molly Read . Comprising 13 tracks, Instant Holograms on Metal Film blends Stereolab's signature krautrock-inspired rhythms with experimental textures and socio-political themes . The lead single, "Aerial Troubles," was initially distributed as a surprise 7-inch vinyl to fans, accompanied by a word search puzzle, before its official release alongside a retro-styled music video directed by Laurent Askienazy . The album is available in various formats, including double vinyl LPs (standard black and limited clear editions) and CD . Stereolab is supporting the release with an extensive tour across Europe, North America, and the UK, running through December 2025

Tracklisting

  1. Mystical Plosives
  2. Aerial Troubles
  3. Melodie Is A Wound
  4. Immortal Hands
  5. Vermona F Transistor
  6. Le Coeur Et La Force
  7. Electrified Teenybop!
  8. Transmuted Matter
  9. Esemplastic Creeping Eruption
  10. If You Remember I Forgot How To Dream Pt. 1
  11. Flashes From Everywhere
  12. Colour Television
  13. If You Remember I Forgot How To Dream Pt. 2
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