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Instant O In The Universe [EP]
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Instant O In The Universe [EP] Image
Metascore
63

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

  • Summary: This five-song EP represents the first new studio material for the once prolific English band in two years (and first since the death of longtime member Mary Hansen). A new LP awaits in early 2004.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Some of their best work since 1997's near-perfect Dots and Loops. [17 Oct 2003, p.80]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Billboard
    80
    Free from the noodling of past producers like Jim O'Rourke and John McEntire, who brought some great ideas but also a certain degree of fussiness, Stereolab sounds looser and lighter than it has in some time.
  3. ShakingThrough.net
    76
    Instant 0 finds Stereolab upbeat and sounding more vibrant than it has in years.
  4. AllMusic
    60
    Neither a retreat nor a leap forward, Instant 0 in the Universe is pleasant and nowhere near as trying as some of the group's recent work, but it's one more Stereolab release that is equally difficult to dislike or fully embrace.
  5. Pitchfork
    50
    Manages to ignore the essential art-rock flourishes of Sound-Dust, and in fact, [has] done away with anything even remotely interesting or new.
  6. Alternative Press
    40
    There's little sign of life here, only gently unassuming arpeggios and blanketing softness. [Jan 2004, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. No Ripcord
    30
    This record is half as clever as it thinks it is, and utterly inessential.

See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. PeterR
    Oct 10, 2005
    10
    "Mass Riff" is the song I will be using to defeat my friend Jeni's challenge to a dance-off.
  2. GerryS
    Dec 31, 2004
    9
    Mary Hansen dies and the groop needs to get back on the horse. I think that Instant O is saying goodbye to Mary. 'If you must Mary Hansen dies and the groop needs to get back on the horse. I think that Instant O is saying goodbye to Mary. 'If you must go...' Fucking great groove. Not groundbreaking but a shining piece of Stereolab letting loose and playing something comfortable. And playing it very well. Something nice for Mary. As for the rest of the ep, well it's nice to hear Stereolab any time. EP's are really snapshots of what this bunch are into at the time. They let us know what they are up to. They save the high concept stuff for Albums like Dots and Loops (which was truly inspired). I have listened to Instant O over and over again and I still can't get tired of it. It is a brilliantly conceived and crafted pop song. I love it. I get goose bumps every time I hear it and the groove when the band jumps in after the intro is fantastic. Sometimes a band just has to be.… Expand

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