Sound-Dust

One of the most essential experimental pop collectives of the last decade return with their umpteenth album of slick sonic wizardry. 'Lab devotees will be thrilled to hear that the Anglo-Gallic quintet have further refined and defined their idiosyncratic sounds into a magnificent melange which easily constitutes one of their strongest long-players to date.

Laetitia Sadlier's sultry intonations sound as alluring and aloof as ever, as hubby Tim Gane and her fellow cohorts in sophisticated popscapes weave a delicate web of kooky melodies. 'Space Moth' (very Stereolab title that) condenses their bewildering blueprint into a succinct seven and a half minute snapshot. Electric harpsichords, wurlitzers, clavinets and a miniature electronic orchestra flesh out their sound with a seductive warmth often lacking on their more 'demanding' material.

'Captain Easychord' and 'Gus The Mynah Bird' are as good as Stereolab get; at once infectiously cathcy and haughtily arty.

This is music that would sound perfect in a coffee shop; bright and breezy in a detached, wintry sort of way. In short, Sound-Dust is a perfect record to usher in the autumnal months. If you are unfamiliar with the icy genius of the 'Lab, then the more immediate Emperor Tomato Ketchup is still a far better place to start. Long-term admirers will be in seventh heaven, reveling in twelve more widescreen pop treats brought to you in Stereolab technicolour.