In early April, when several Stereolab fans were mysteriously greeted with a package stamped ‘unsolicited Stereolab material’ containing an obscure 7” single, the return of the English-French four-piece appeared perhaps more imminent than previously considered. Despite it being over sixteen years since the band announced their indefinite hiatus, the 23rd of May marks Stereolab’s much-awaited return to the musical stage, with the release of their newest album, ‘Instant Holograms on Metal Film’. Encapsulating thirteen songs, ‘Instant Holograms on Metal Film’ features Stereolab cornerstones, vocalist Laetitia Sadier, guitarist Tim Gane, and fellow band members Andy Ramsay, Joe Watson and Xavi Muñoz. Whilst their return may have been an unanticipated and even considered by some to be an avant-pop ambush, their newest release, via Duophonic UHF Disks/ Warp, can be christened as an ambitious, synth-laden soundtrack.
With overarching elements of ambient electronica, brooding piano and Sadier’s trademark cooing vocals, ‘Instant Holograms on Metal Film’ does have observably reminiscent elements of vintage Stereolab, yet the quartet’s sound has evidently evolved to dizzyingly sonic new heights. Upon first listen, it is clear that ‘Instant Holograms on Metal Film’ is shrouded with an atmospheric edge, which is immediately induced through the album’s opener, ‘Mystical Plosives’. In true Stereolab fashion, ‘Mystical Plosives’ is a starry welcome, which diligently sets the celestial stage for the album’s lead single, ‘Aerial Troubles’. Featuring a whirling earworm of a guitar riff, alongside Sadier’s ominously dreamlike vocals, ‘Aerial Troubles’ is an early album insight into the band’s increasingly honed creative craft. With Sadier successfully making even the most surrealist of lyrics into a curving, catching number, ‘Aerial Troubles’ is undoubtedly an album standout, and sits comfortably amongst other prominent prior pillars of the band’s discography. The second single from the album, the seven-and-a-half-minute ‘Melodie Is A Wound’ boasts a polished yet punchy production, which is segmented into three equally intricate intersections. Whilst it does not always make for an easy and accessible listening experience, Stereolab’s emphasis on electronica does in fact demonstrate their ever-burgeoning creative outlets. ‘Melodie Is A Wound’ is suited for the live stage, and an encore at that. It can be commended, or even criticised, as being peak artistic and listening indulgence.
As ‘Instant Holograms on Metal Film’ progresses, the possible unpredictable nature of Stereolab is duly reconfirmed. Whilst gentle acoustic strums initially usher in the number ‘Immortal Hands’, they are seamlessly replaced by a burst of piano, then only to be buttressed by brass and even furthered by woodwind. Both ‘Vermona F Transistor’ and ‘Transmuted Matter’ feature Gane’s swirling guitar in swathes, yet ‘Le Couer Et La Force’ momentarily redirects the album towards slower, smoky streets, only to then feature the fizzing, ricocheting number of ‘Electrified Teenybop!’. A further album standout can be found in the double bill of ‘Esemplastic Creeping Eruption’ and ‘If You Remember I Forgot How To Dream Pt.1’. ‘Esemplastic Creeping Eruption’ centres upon Sadier’s warble being emboldened by a charming complement of various backing vocals, serving to add depth to an already ornate arrangement. In accompaniment, ‘If You Remember I Forgot How To Dream Pt.1’ is nearly four minutes of zippy, groove-laced guitar and is classic, catchy Stereolab. A little bit jaunty, a little bit chic. Through a combination of woodwind and gentle glimmers of synth, ‘Flashes From Everywhere’ is a quaintly soothing track, which is fruitfully married alongside the lilting, almost idyllic sounding ‘Colour Television’. ‘The final track on ‘Instant Holograms on Mental Film’, ‘If You Remember I Forgot How To Dream Pt.2’ is an apt end to an ever-experimental exercise by the English-French outfit.
Whilst it could be suggested that ‘Instant Holograms on Metal Film’ can at times be a complex listen, the experimental enigma of the band cannot be understated. Featuring melodically synthesised playfulness, twirling guitar and exploratory electronic influences, ‘Instant Holograms on Metal Film’ is undoubtedly a vibrant return for a band who are increasingly confident and anchored in their abilities.
‘Instant Holograms on Metal Film’ will be available on double vinyl LP, in both standard and colour variants, along with compact disc and digital formats. Alongside the album release, the band are gearing up for a global tour in late May, with Stereolab playing dates across the UK in December 2025.
