Stereolab Unveils First Album in 15 Years and Releases Video for New Track “Aerial Troubles”: Watch Now
Stereolab Returns with “Aerial Troubles” and a New Album: A Surreal Journey Through Sound
In an unexpected twist that feels almost like a gift from a creative time capsule, Stereolab has ignited the indie music scene by delivering a mysterious 7" vinyl single to lucky fans this month—a tantalizing tease of new material marked “Unsolicited Stereolab Material.” What started as a cryptic package soon blossomed into an exhilarating announcement: the seminal band will be releasing their first new album in 15 years, Instant Holograms on Metal Film, on May 23 via their own Duophonic UHF Disks and Warp Records.
The surprise single features the enticing track “Aerial Troubles” on one side, with its instrumental counterpart gracing the reverse. The tune encapsulates Stereolab’s trademark blend of avant-pop and krautrock, drenching listeners in hypnotic melodies and lush soundscapes, reminding us all why they remain influential figures in the world of experimental music.
Accompanying the single’s release is a mesmerizing music video directed by French photographer Laurent Askienazy, which features a hallucinatory visual journey, artfully matching the eclectic spirit of the song. The aesthetic is as multilayered as Stereolab’s sound—an exploration of colors and textures that challenges perceptions and invites the audience to immerse themselves fully.
The much-anticipated album will not only reunite founding members Tim Gane and Laetitia Sadier but will also feature contributions from an impressive roster of artists, including Cooper Crain, Rob Frye, Ben LaMar Gay, Ric Elsworth, Holger Zapf, Marie Merlet, and Molly Read. This collaborative spirit reflects Stereolab’s ethos of blending diverse influences, promising an album that pushes boundaries while remaining anchored to their avant-garde roots.
The single sent to fans was equipped with interactive puzzles incorporating band members’ names and references to new music—a whimsical nod to their intelligent approach to art and engagement with followers. Additionally, the sleeves bore the iconic logos of Warp and Duophonic UHF Disks, further cementing this release as a landmark moment for both the band and its dedicated fanbase.
Having last released Not Music in 2010, Stereolab has not only been silent since but has also lay in wait ever since, reissuing classic records and revisiting their discography, with Pulse of the Early Brain getting the re-release treatment just last year. This new venture sees the band sharpening their sonic palette and hinting at a vibrant resurgence.
As if that wasn’t enough to excite fans, Stereolab has also announced an expansive international tour kicking off next month. The band will be traveling through various cities across North America and Europe, performing their new material along with beloved classics. It’s a terrific time to hop back on the Stereolab train, as they introduce us to sounds that feel both familiar yet refreshingly new.
With Instant Holograms on Metal Film, Stereolab is poised to remind the world of their irreplaceable place within the musical landscape. In an era rife with nostalgia and a revival of interest in all things ’90s, this iconic band is set to lead the charge forward, proving that art continues to evolve.
For now, get ready to dive into “Aerial Troubles”—a song that promises to whisk you away on a delightfully introspective journey, a fitting herald for an album that may well redefine the band’s legacy.
