Duophonic Vinyl & CDs

Review: Stereolab first formed back in 1990 in London. Record collector Tim Gane hooked up with French chanteuse Laetitia Sadier and they stayed together until 2009, then took a hiatus until retiring to the live arena in 2019. There have only been reissues since, but now the group returns with their first new album in 15 years. It features 13 fresh studio tracks from the avant-pop pioneers who revitalise their sounds with signature motorik grooves and adventurous new textures. Guest appearances from Cooper Crain, Rob Frye and others add rich layers and lead single 'Aerial Troubles' signifies the playful experimentation and sly sophistication you would expect from this band. The album. Overall feels warmly familiar yet thrillingly new.

Review: After countless reissues, Stereolab delight fans with their first new album in nearly 15 years, following 2010's Not Music. The French/British band - led by Tim Gane and Lætitia Sadie - are well known for their tendency to lean towards left field, adventurous sonic experiments, but have a wide spectrum and from time to time are not shy in indulging their love of pop with melodies that stick. Lætitia Sadie can sing the phone book, to the level of a Gruff Rhys and on the single 'Aerial Troubles' evokes her Welsh peer. With the band's influence seemingly inextinguishable, chances are the aftermath of this album release will see Stereolab's stock rise massively as they sound like they've hit their stride and not let the long gap between new albums faze them.