REVIEW: Stereolab Holograms On Metal Film

Welcoming back Stereolab with their stunning new album Instant Holograms On Metal Film co-released by the band’s own label Duophonic UHF Disks, and Warp Records is akin to giving a heroes welcome when it was announced Funny Feet ice cream’s were making a return; delicious to the taste, sending your senses into a spiral of unparalleled joy, with the equal charm of stunning artwork back on show, the similarities are palpable.

Holograms On Metal Film is their first new record in fifteen years, featuring thirteen songs written by Laetitia Sadier and Tim Gane; performed by Laetitia, Tim, Andy Ramsay, Joe Watson and Xavi Muñoz, who comprise the current touring line-up of the band. The album also features guest contributions by Cooper Crain and Rob Frye (Bitchin Bajas), Ben LaMar Gay (International Anthem), Ric Elsworth, Holger Zapf (Cavern Of Anti-Matter), Marie Merlet and Molly Hansen Read.

Opening with Mystical Plosives providing 56 seconds of electro instrumental piquant flavours, moving swiftly onto first sunlight single from the album Aerial Troubles along with sunshine 3^rd track Melodie Is A Wound are classic Stereolab compositions slotting firmly into the mould that highlighted the beauteous duets between Sadier and the much missed Mary Hansen, these first tentative steps into this scintillating long player are concrete evidence the ‘lab are back to their very best.

Immortal Hands could easy fit into Barbara Moore’s vast splendid discography; Vermona F Transistor sounds like Marianne faithful debuting with The Seeds; Transmuted Matter echoes The Twelve Hour Foundation remixed by Geoff Bastow; Esemplastic Creeping Eruption joyous funk loops should be the soundtrack of the return of Choc-A-Block to get Carol Leader back riding a funky yellow 4 wheeled buggy.

If You Remember I Forgot How To Dream Pt.1 is a distant relation to Ophis Le Serpentaire by V. Geminian; Flashes From Everywhere starts off similar to The Headhunters funk royalty If You’ve Got It You’ll Get It before transforming into glorious sunshine pop with beautiful flutes. The final chapter on this glorious collection If You Remember I Forgot How To Dream Pt.2 brings back yet more hazy electro other worldly landings, the impact of these 13 tracks will be received with much warmth and happiness from the well versed fan to the new cat on the prowl hunting for current addictive aromas. The world is in much need of this merriment substance, grab a slice of this current contender for album of the year whilst you can!

Instant Holograms On Metal Film will be available on double vinyl LP in standard and colour variants, as well as compact disc and digital formats. Pre-order/save it here.