This five-track EP is Stereolab's first musical output since the tragic death of band member Mary Hansen in December 2002. There are no lyrical memorials to Hansen, just a short note on the back of the sleeve ("Mary, thinking about you") which makes it all the more poignant.
Musically, the song remains the same. If you've ever heard any of Stereolab's previous records you'll know what to except. An experimental ‘60s style dominates proceedings, with the inevitable drone of the Moog synths being particularly beguiling. Of the five tracks here, the wonderfully titled Jaunty Monty And The Bubbles Of Silence is probably the highlight.
Stereolab still sound like no other band in this world - the forthcoming full length album due in February should be a fitting tribute to their sadly missed bandmate.
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