STEREOLAB – INSTANT HOLOGRAMS ON METAL FILM (Duophonic Discs/ Warp) (2 x LP, CD, DL) (Release date: 23rd May, 2025)

They’re having a listening party at my ‘local’ record shop. I would definitely go if I could on the evidence of the two tracks already released. I must admit an affinity towards their music and “Emperor Tomato Ketchup” and the three LP “Aluminium Tunes” would certainly go to the desert island with me. Not only is the music a unique blend of different musical genres but the songs are about something; Stereolab never avoid difficult and controversial topics, expressing dismay at the rise of fascism and the exploitation of workers. The music may sound bright and catchy but the lyrics tell a different story at times. On the single ‘Aerial Troubles’ “an insatiable state of consumption” is referred to. The other pre-release ‘Melodie is a Wound’ refers to the “war economy”. But there is optimism amongst the dark prognosis and the two songs already on Spotify promise great things for their surprise but most welcome return to recording.