Stereolab’s return with Instant Holograms on Metal Film is nothing short of a revelation. After a 15-year hiatus, the avant-pop pioneers have delivered an album that feels both timeless and timely, reaffirming their status as genre-defying innovators.
From the opening track, “Mystical Plosives,” the band reintroduces their signature blend of motorik rhythms, analog synths, and layered vocals. The lead single, “Aerial Troubles,” sets the tone with its radiant groove and politically charged lyrics, reflecting on systemic dissatisfaction and manipulation . “Melodie Is a Wound” follows, weaving jazzy pop elements into a tapestry of sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh.
The album’s production showcases the band’s collaborative spirit, featuring contributions from Cooper Crain and Rob Frye of Bitchin Bajas, jazz cornetist Ben LaMar Gay, and others . Tracks like “Electrified Teenybop!” and “Flashes From Everywhere” highlight this synergy, blending funk, drum’n’bass, and avant-garde pop into a cohesive whole .
Critics have lauded the album for its balance of familiar and new elements. Pitchfork describes it as “the Platonic ideal of a Stereolab album: cerebral, slippery, playful, and defiant” . The Guardian praises its warmth and spontaneity, noting that the band’s message resonates more than ever in today’s sociopolitical climate .
Instant Holograms on Metal Film is a triumphant return for Stereolab, offering a rich listening experience that rewards both longtime fans and newcomers. It’s a testament to the band’s enduring creativity and relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of music.