Many have been waiting anxiously for new music from Stereolab, ever since their copies of Mars Audiac Quintet wore out from overplay. This new single hints at what is to come on the band's upcoming album, due in April. Most the album (and single) was recorded Stateside this time, with ingénieux ingénieur and Tortoise member John McEntire. Considering McEntire's own work, it is no surprise that these Stereolab tracks emphasize the band's instrumental side, exploring the band's style of electronica more deeply, while incorporating a wide array of percussion, and even saxophone on "Young Lung." "Cybele's Reverie," the only track not recorded at Chicago's Idful Studios and the only track from the album, even includes a string section. The liberties Stereolab has taken are a welcome variation, not as much a switch in direction as an investigation into some tangents. The groop's basic songwriting style remains the same and the hauntingly beautiful voice of Laetitia Sadier still sounds like something from a reverie.

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