Something Shines

For her third solo album, Stereolab’s Laetitia Sadier rediscovers the balance between her band’s experimental work and her own explorations as a singer/songwriter. “Quantum Soap” soars as a mix of Stereolab’s Krautrock obsessions and jaunty ‘60s-styled Euro-futurism. “Release from the Centre of Your Heart” best captures the grandeur of her vision, with glorious orchestration supporting the layers of vocals. Sadier also has her inherent sense of human justice to address. The acoustic guitar–led “Oscuridad” asks: “Do the rich need the poor to be rich?” and deals with the need of the upper classes to set the lower classes in conflict with one another; a futuristic ‘60s-styled organ sends the song to its close. The lushness of Beach Boys–esque, studio-type pop assists Sadier in bringing the optimism of “Life Is Winning” into view for the album’s final moments. 

The Earth, the sky and the earth again — plus another trip through “La Soci é t é du Spectacle.” Something between a riveting caress and an invigorating shake. Elevated music!

Former Stereolab member Laetitia Sadier just released two new albums, one solo effort and one with her latest outfit Little Tornados. Both albums are full of seemingly simple, subversively sophisticated avant-pop, with Sadier’s breathy, balmy voice as the high point.

Sadier returns with a third solo album touching on familiar themes and sounds, which is perhaps where the problem lies.

Review of Laetitia Sadier's new album 'Something Shines', by Northern Transmissions, her new full-length comes out on September 23rd via Drag City records