Mars Audiac Quintet is Stereolab’s third studio album, less of a rocker than 1993’s Transient Random-Noise Bursts, edging even closer to dreamy lounge pop. Lætitia Sadier’s bilingual vocals are charming and melodic as ever, the sound of the “Groop” softening overall with the loss of a guitarist (Sean O’Hagan) and the addition of a new keyboard player (Katharine Gifford). “Ping Pong” is polished sophisti-pop with subversive lyrics, “Des Etoiles Electroniques” is organ-driven tranquility. “Fiery Yellow” is on the kitschier side, a xylophone romp under a haze of bird calls. “Nihilist Assault Group” is the most indicative of their krautrock roots, strict motorik drums and hypnotic bass. This official 2025 Duophonic reissue comes pressed on double vinyl with a protective PVC outer sleeve and printed inner sleeves. Recommended.

• black double vinyl pressing
  
• remastered audio
• housed in PVC outer wallet w/ printed inner sleeves
• original release year: 1994
• music label: Duophonic 2025

reviewed by Chick Chick Chick 05/2019

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