Stereolab
Mars Audiac Quintet 2LP vinyl

In 1994, the Mars Audiac Quintet album was released, during a time when the 'lounge' revival was just beginning to gain momentum. The album incorporated loungy elements, such as the Peter Gunn twang of Sean O'Hagan's guitar in "Ping-Pong" and the exotic Martin Denny-Arthur Lyman feel of the closing marimba-and-vibes instrumental "Fiery Yellow".

The lyrical salute to exotica queen Lucia Pamela in "International Colouring Contest" added to the album's unique charm. Furthermore, Mars Audiac Quintet showcased Stereolab's talent for obsessive one-chord drones, krautrock-style rhythms, Astrud Gilberto-inspired vocals, marxist themes, and analogue synthesizers.

Standout tracks like the overwhelming "Nihilist Assault Group" and the lovely "Des Etoiles Electroniques" perfectly blend these elements together. With its poppier elements, this album serves as an excellent introduction to Stereolab's unique and wonderful aesthetic.

NEW / Released in 1994 / Reissue 2025

Tracklist:

A1 Three-Dee Melodie

A2 Wow And Flutter

A3 Transona Five

A4 Des Etoiles Eletroniques

B1 Ping Pong

B2 Anamorphose

B3 Three Longers Later

C1 Nihilist Assault Group

C2 International Colouring Contest

C3 The Stars Our Destination

C4 Transporte Sans Bouger

D1 L'Enfer Des Formes

D2 Outer Accelerator

D3 New Orthophony

D4 Fiery Yellow