INSTANT 0 IN THE UNIVERSE

3.5 stars. STEREOLAB have an interesting sound where we get this stew of percussions, drums, fake beats, electronic beats, bass, and intricate guitar. It's enough to make you dizzy, but then the female vocals come in which are warm and soothing. She will sing words, but she will also add a lot of wordless vocals as well. The music is uplifting, positive and catchy.

This Ep is a nice companion to their 2004 album "Margerine Eclipse", with them sounding very similar since they were from the same sessions. Underneath the information about who engineered it and mixed it etc. it says "Mary, thinking about you." Former band member Mary Hansen had only very recently passed. This Ep is over 20 minutes and five tracks. And my description in the opening of this review applies to these songs as well.

I do like "Microclimate" for the way sounds echo at the start. It's just a little different early on before the beats take over with vocals. A lot of electronics early on during "Mass Riff" but we have at least two themes being contrasted. A driving track that is the longest at 6 1/2 minutes. "Good Is Me" is an interesting mid-paced tune with contrasting themes. Bass, synths and guitar standout on this one.

This Ep along with a second Ep form the bonus disc for the recent re-issue of "Margeine Eclipse". And it's such a great package as it gives us everything associated with the "Margenine Eclipse" sessions.