Customer Reviews

Instant O in the Universe

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Lead vocalist Laetitia Sadier is as infamously detached as ever, the band is still playing their groovy 60's influenced electronic lounge-pop, and was that disco on the last track?
It's become fashionable to attack Stereolab for not doing anything "new," for insisting that each new LP or EP is a "retread," so if you're one of those who thinks a band needs to break new ground with every release, perhaps this isn't the Stereolab EP for you. I am a huge fan of the groop, but I will attempt to review this CD as unbiasedly (is that a word?) as possible.
There's more to Instant 0 (zero, not "O") than meets the ear. First of all, the tragic death of Mary Hansen robbed the band of one of their most distinct musicians. Her backups were integral to Stereolab's sound. In Instant 0, while I could literally hear where Mary would've been singing, the band manages to keep their sound without her. Although I did notice a lack of backup on all tracks, which I personally see as a sign of respect to Mary. No one could do it like she could, so we'll give up on the heavier back up singing.
Secondly, after Sound Dust, which I liked, but thought the band sounded almost bored with themselves on, this EP goes back to a more funky mid to late 90's Stereolab sound. While this isn't as mind-blowing as Emperor Tomato Ketchup or Dots and Loops, it is still very, very good. Perhaps their best release post-2000. Unlike First of the Microbe Hunters, which was probably voted "Most Likely EP for Stereolab Fans To Pass Up On," this one will probably become quite essential for any fan of the groop. And for people who have never heard of Stereolab or are generally unfamiliar with their work, Instant 0 in the Universe is a wonderful introduction to Stereolab. It's not as esoteric as some of their other work (which I also love), but it's not dumbed-down Stereolab either.

I myself am a recording musician and I have known this band only since 1999. This EP blows me away. I actually closed my eyes while listening to this - something I haven't done in ten years or more. I was totally moved, I smiled the whole way, I felt good about music again in a way that I hadn't in such a long time. Believe me, this was quite an experience.

I picked up hints of *gasp* the band "Yes", circa "the Yes Album" and "Fragile". In a good way... and it's not the first time with them in their later releases.

Listen to this in headphones - the stereo separation is really intense and quite jarring at moments. Is instant 0 the begining of the stereo universe?

This is an ABSOLUTE must for stereolab fans, new and old.

Instant 0 in the Universe is one of the most pivotal releases in Stereolab's musical career.

After the tragic death of Mary Hansen, such an important contributer to their sound and vision, I wondered what was going to happen to the groop. I was rapt when I heard they were going to release a new EP and the result is this.

What can I say? I think with "Instant 0" the remaining members of Stereolab made a collective decision to kick out the jams in tribute to Mary, and this EP is so strong it is almost defiantly stating to the Universe "we are here to stay!"

The loss of Mary is felt, but it isn't a depressing thing because there is a joy and celebration felt on these tracks which goes beyond her death and celebrates life instead. I have always thought Stereolab as a group tap into this collective conciousness all the time in their songs, and the melodies quite often make the hairs stand on the back of my neck.

This EP would be an excellent CD to slip to a friend to let them know why you love Stereolab so much... or a good starting point for those who have never took the plunge.

This band are never dull and are always playing creativally with their sound - I can compare this to past releases but there is no point. One last comment - this is also the first release where there has been a male voice in the mix! At the end of Microclimate.

REM's Chornic Town being the other contender.

Ok, maybe there isn't a lot of comp in the top EPs of all time department, but this is a great value play. 5 solid tracks, no filler and I paid $8!

The sound reminds me of the late 1970's Talking Heads. Very bright.

You can get a good sneak peak on the official Stereolab website if you haven't already. If you like the samples, chances are you will like the songs. Pretty much what you hear is what you get although a couple of songs have some nice stuff after the 2 minute mark which you can't hear from the samples.

I recommend this EP quite highly and am not one to toss around 5 stars very often.

If you dig The Groop's later works, you will not be disappointed in the slightest.

While their were certainly some good songs on their last EP and album, this EP's quality is on par w/their golden age of ETK, Dots and Corba.

An exciting aspect of Stereolab's music is it always morphs into something more mature and exciting, while continuing to hold onto it's youthful and upbeat origins. With 'Instant 0...' this holds true, but in probably a more stable and impressive way than ever previously exhibited by the "groop". Stereolab have reflected further back into their past with this EP, producing some of the most danceable tunes in their catalogue since 'Peng!' or 'Emperor Tomatoe Ketchup'. However, in no way are they regressing; there is a definite mark of impressive compostional growth and thought, executed ingeniously with smoother transitions and Stereolab's trademark simplicity (which they tended to stray from with their last LP, 'Sound-Dust').

The only thing missing from 'Instant 0...' is the refreshing sound of Mary's back-up vocals and harmonies (although I thought I might've heard them softly on one of the tracks here; was it just my wishful imagination?). It will be interesting to see how Stereolab moves on without her in their live show.

'Instant 0...' is an exciting taste of what's to come in the next chapter of the Stereolab epic with their LP release set for January 27, 2004, entitled 'Margerine Eclipse'. Besides the upcoming Strokes release...there's nothing more I'm looking forward to hearing!

I bought this album after empereror tomato ketchup, and I was pleasantly pleased by it. Stereolab (at its best) has a way of rehashing genres and stirring them so well that you believe the sound to be like no one elses. The overall tone of this album, and many other stereolab albums, is mod bubble gum dance smiling. If thats the sort of thing you're into...you should be required to buy this album. I believe I can even recall the Jetson's listening to stereolab for breakfast. so there you have it.

No one should be shocked at how strong these tracks are. It seems as if Stereolab gets a lot of their funk & rock grooves out on eps & b-sides of which there have been too many to mention over the years. This 23 minute offering is no different. They really come off well as a song suite that flows from one to the next & leaves you wanting more (I'm generally forced to play Jaunty Monty & Mass Riff twice per listen). BTW how good is the new LP going to be if only one of these 5 made the cut!? Long live the Groop! Please come to SF this summer!

As much as I've enjoyed "Cobra..." and "Sound-Dust", I did miss the rock factor from days past... This ep. throws way back, and rings out even more 70's prog than ever before... I'm also glad to hear that Latetia's backing vocals have a style of their own, and really sound great! It's a terrible shame about Mary, and you have to respect the fact that Stereolab has not tried to cover up her absence, but has changed itself to reflect the loss....

The new songs are amazing, my particular favorite is "Good is Me".. Can't wait to hear the full length! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for at least one distorted-guitar rock screamer, ala "The Noise Of Carpet" on this new album. I've been missing that side of Stereolab!!

For any current fan, this EP is a no-brainer: Buy It.

I'm a huge stereolab fan.

I gave this a four star rating because although I don't feel any of the songs are particularly that strong (they don't have to be, it's an ep), this is, at the least, an interesting experiment in music production. It seems like most of the songs have been divided into the left and right channels...and each component of each song is produced on either side in slightly different variations. For instance, there are usually two percussive tracks that compliment eachother...for example, on track five, the classic "disco beat" is played on both left and right channels but the hi-hats are opened at slightly different times...its hard for me to explain, but this is why you should listen with headphones.

Stand out tracks for me are Jaunty and Good Is Me.

looking forward to the new Lp, although I'll be a little irked if it keeps this sound. It's a change, but I don't want Stereolab's sound to move too far away from the great songwriting of their past 12 albums or so towards instrumental hip shaking music.

Absolutely wonderful! Forget all the nay-sayers.

God I miss Mary's bell-like voice...