Back in 'Stereo' after death

An Instant O In The Universe, Stereolab's first release since the passing of bandmate Mary Hansen, the band creates an EP that, to be honest, falls a little flat. There are a huge amount of good things that can be said about the record, however. \nThe cleanliness of the sound is astounding; every synth sound, every keyboard -- everything -- is as pure as current production techniques will allow. Singer Laetitia Sadier adds in her unadulterated, lounge-singer melodies, and what we have is a well-constructed indie pop album. \nThere are some strong cuts on the album. Two songs feature miniature breakdowns of sorts, in which the indie pop takes a back burner as in "…Sudden Stars," and a more experimentalist Stereolab can be heard in the midst of the safe pop of the remainder of the album.\nYet the vocal stylings of Sadier are not alone enough to carry the album. What talent she has doesn't dwarf her lack of energy, and her crooning can't cut it. The music too feels flat, and after a time even the breakdowns begin to feel predictable. It seems the days of even momentary experimentalism are numbered for Stereolab, as they cast their gaze firmly on indie pop.