I first discovered Stereolab’s “French Disko” through Late Night Tales: Belle & Sebastian, a thoughtfully curated compilation that introduced me to their distinct sonic universe. Hook, line, and sinker—my ears were ensnared, and there was no turning back. Their latest release, Instant Holograms on Metal Film, marks a significant return for the Anglo-French avant-pop band. Dropping on May 23, 2025, via Duophonic UHF Disks and Warp Records, the album ends a nearly 15-year hiatus since their previous studio effort, Not Music (2010).
Stereolab originated in the rough-edged, shoestring-budget London indie scene of the early 90s—a world vividly chronicled in former drummer Joe Dilworth’s 2024 memoir Everything, All at Once Forever. While they shared stages and rehearsal spaces with many of the era’s underground acts, Stereolab quickly carved out a sonic identity that set them distinctly apart. Their music fused motorik rhythms, vintage synthesizers, lounge-pop textures, Marxist-tinged lyrics, and a flair for sonic experimentation that felt worlds away from the grunge, shoegaze, and jangly guitar pop that surrounded them.
Their most visible brush with the mainstream came during the height of Britpop, a scene they were frequently associated with but to which they bore little resemblance. In that period, they landed a few Top 20 albums and garnered heavy airplay with their 1994 single Ping Pong, a deceptively upbeat track wrapped around an economic critique. But even as their profile grew, Stereolab remained sonically adventurous and philosophically uncompromising.
Rather than fitting neatly into any one genre, their music resonated with diverse scenes: post-rock aficionados, fans of retro-futurist electronica, devotees of krautrock, and the curious Midlands underground that produced kindred spirits like Pram, Broadcast, and Plone. Yet Stereolab always seemed to hover just outside of classification—intellectually driven but warmly melodic, politically sharp yet musically playful. They didn’t just defy genres; they created a genre of their own.
The project’s lead single, “Aerial Troubles,” sets the tone with its signature blend of analogue warmth and rhythmic intricacy. The track debuted on a special 7-inch vinyl sent to fans, featuring the full version on one side and a stripped-down instrumental on the reverse. Accompanying the release is a hypnotic visual directed by French photographer and painter Laurent Askienazy, which enhances the track’s immersive quality.
Instant Holograms on Metal Film features 13 tracks, all penned by founding members Tim Gane and Lætitia Sadier. The duo is joined by long-time collaborators Andy Ramsay, Joe Watson, and Xavi Muñoz, forming the core of Stereolab’s 2025 touring lineup. The album weaves together themes of memory, transformation, and retro-futuristic aesthetics, offering a rich tapestry of sound that’s unmistakably Stereolab.
Tracklist:
- Mystical Plosives
- Aerial Troubles
- Melodie Is a Wound
- Immortal Hands
- Vermona F Transistor
- Le Coeur et la Force
- Electrified Teenybop!
- Transmuted Matter
- Esemplastic Creeping Eruption
- If You Remember I Forgot How to Dream Pt. 1
- Flashes from Everywhere
- Colour Television
- If You Remember I Forgot How to Dream Pt. 2
With Instant Holograms on Metal Film, Stereolab reaffirms their legacy while continuing to explore new sonic territories—an exciting chapter for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
In addition to the release of Instant Holograms on Metal Film, Stereolab is set to revisit their influential discography with the reissue of seven iconic albums: Transient Random-Noise Bursts with Announcements, Mars Audiac Quintet, Emperor Tomato Ketchup, Dots and Loops, Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage in the Milky Night, Sound-Dust, and Margerine Eclipse. Each of these records represents a milestone in the band’s evolution, showcasing their signature fusion of krautrock, lounge, and experimental pop.
These reissues are being carefully remastered and presented with the kind of sonic clarity and packaging that collectors and connoisseurs have come to expect. Whether you’re a long-time fan looking to revisit these genre-defining works or a newcomer eager to explore Stereolab’s legacy, this is a golden opportunity to experience the band’s most groundbreaking material in pristine quality.
For audiophiles and analog enthusiasts alike, there’s never been a better moment to dive into Stereolab’s eclectic universe. Let your ears break free from the ordinary—this is more than a reissue campaign; it’s a full-blown sonic renaissance. Embrace the sound revolution and rediscover why Stereolab continues to inspire musicians and listeners across generations.