Stereolab

Stereolab is a London-based group active from 1990 to the present. It is led by the songwriting duo of Tim Gane and Lætitia Sadier, who remain the only constant members. The band forms after the break-up of McCarthy and develops an Anglo-French avant-pop style that combines repetitive motorik rhythms, vintage electronic keyboards and vocals in English and French.

The group’s sound draws on krautrock, funk, jazz, 1960s French pop and Brazilian music. Its lyrics often address political and philosophical ideas influenced by Surrealist and Situationist art movements. Gane plays guitar and keyboards, while Sadier contributes vocals, keyboards and guitar.

Mary Hansen joins in 1992 and remains a long-term member until her death in 2002. Andy Ramsay joins in 1993 as drummer and becomes another enduring member. Sean O’Hagan, leader of the High Llamas, is part of the group from 1993 to 1994 and later contributes occasionally to recordings. Other members over time include Gina Morris, Duncan Brown, Joe Dilworth, Katharine Gifford, Richard Harrison, Simon Johns, Martin Kean, Morgane Lhote, Joe Walters and Joe Watson.

Stereolab’s releases include Peng!, Transient Random-Noise Bursts with Announcements, Mars Audiac Quintet, Emperor Tomato Ketchup, Dots and Loops, Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage in the Milky Night, Sound-Dust, Margerine Eclipse, Chemical Chords, Not Music and Instant Holograms on Metal Film. After leaving Elektra Records, the band’s own label Duophonic signs distribution deals with Too Pure and later Warp Records. The group returns to live performance in 2019 after a ten-year hiatus and continues recording and performing.