“Aerial Troubles” by Stereolab

Earlier this month, Stereolab sent some of their UK fans a mysterious package of “Unsolicited Stereolab Material” that instantly bred speculation about a new album — especially since fifteen years have passed since the iconic band’s last album, 2010’s Not Music. And sure enough, Tim Gane, Lætitia Sadier, et al. have officially confirmed a new album, titled Instant Holograms on Metal Film, that will feature thirteen new songs.

The album’s first single, “Aerial Troubles,“ was on that initial 7”. The single features the band’s trademark vintage pop sound, filled with analog synths alongside Sadier’s cooing voice and anti-consumerism lyrics (“The numbing is not working anymore/An unfillable hole/An insatiable state of consumption”). “Aerial Troubles” is not as immediately catchy as, say, “Ping Pong,” “Cybele’s Reverie,” or “Miss Modular,” but even so, it’s still good to hear some new Stereolab after all this time.

Instant Holograms on Metal Film will be released on digital, CD, and vinyl by Warp Records on May 23, 2025. The band has also announced an extensive tour throughout most of 2025 that includes European, North American, and South American dates.