Mars Audiac Quintet is Stereolabs third studio album, less of a rocker than 1993s Transient Random-Noise Bursts, edging even closer to dreamy lounge pop. Ltitia Sadiers bilingual vocals are charming and melodic as ever, the sound of the Groop softening overall with the loss of a guitarist (Sean OHagan) and the addition of a new keyboard player (Katharine Gifford). Ping Pong is polished sophisti-pop with subversive lyrics, Des Etoiles Electroniques is organ-driven tranquility. Fiery Yellow is on the kitschier side, a xylophone romp under a haze of bird calls. Nihilist Assault Group is the most indicative of their krautrock roots, strict motorik drums and hypnotic bass. This official 2025 Duophonic reissue comes pressed on double vinyl with a protective PVC outer sleeve and printed inner sleeves. Recommended.

• black double vinyl pressing
• remastered audio
• housed in PVC outer wallet w/ printed inner sleeves
• original release year: 1994
• music label: Duophonic 2025

reviewed by Chick Chick Chick 05/2019

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