In 1994, the 'lounge' revival was just barely getting underway, but much of Mars Audiac Quintet incorporated loungy elements, from the Peter Gunn twang of Sean O'Hagan's guitar in Ping-Pong to the exotic Martin Denny-Arthur Lyman feel of the closing marimba-and-vibes instrumental Fiery Yellow and the lyrical salute to exotica queen lucia pamela in International Colouring Contest. Otherwise, the album further refines Stereolab's talent for obsessive one-chord drones mated with krautrock-style rhythms, Astrud Gilberto-inspired vocals, marxist themes and analogue synthesizers. The synthesis of these elements is best exemplified by the overwhelming Nihilist Assault Group and the lovely Des Etoiles Electroniques. In large part because of the poppier elements, this album is an excellent introduction into Stereolab's unique and wonderful aesthetic.
Released: February 2025
Cat: DUHFD05RT
Label: Duophonic
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Tracklist
1. Three-Dee Melodie
2. Wow And Flutter
3. Transona Five
4. Des Etoiles Electroniques
5. Ping Pong
6. Anamorphose
7. Three Longers Later
8. Nihilist Assault Group
9. International Colouring Contest
10. The Stars Our Destination
11. Transporte Sans Bouger
12. L’Enfer Des Formes
13. Outer Accelerator
14. New Orthophony
15. Fiery Yellow