The textbook of electro-pop Stereolab began writing in 1991 evolved with the band’s latest contribution to the formula, “Margerine Eclipse.”
The French collective’s 11th album finds the group doing what it has always done: blending beautiful synthetic melodies with lush foreign vocals and evoking space-age classicism.
While the group hasn’t necessarily evolved in a way a band such as Radiohead has, the group’s complex formula provides a design for every work and varies enough to exhibit growth.
Remarkable is the group’s high level of productivity, producing nearly a dozen albums in addition to numerous EPs, singles and BBC collections while maintaining a solid line-up. The group’s ethic was tested when tragedy struck last year with the death of core member and vocalist Mary Hansen in a car accident.
Stereolab’s remaining half-dozen members were left in sorrow, but their impenetrable resolve remained undeterred. The group constructed a studio and recorded “Margerine Eclipse” and last year’s “Instant O in the Universe” in manic style.
The problem with the new work is in the level of freshness that the group brings to the table and whether Stereolab may have already artistically peaked. If the case is to be decided with “Margerine Eclipse,” then the answers aren’t necessarily positive.
As always, the group exhibits many marks of pop genius. In this scenario though, the moments are surrounded by melodies that are off in one way or another. One marked difference with “Margerine Eclipse” is the speed of the album. Rather than tender, even-flowing tracks, the songs have had their tempos sped up and abstracted, making them feel disjointed and forced.
The types of electronic noise the group usually forms into its layered music normally has a natural feel despite artificial generation, though “Margerine Eclipse” incorporates sounds which feel appropriated directly from 20 years worth of Nintendo. It’s an example of Stereolab’s continued subtle growth, but that doesn’t mean it works.
Compositions such as “La Demeure,” “Margerine Melody” and “Sudden Stars” define well the abilities and strengths of the group. The rest, save for mid-song highlights here and there, will be mostly of interest to persevering fans.
