A Few Steps More [Digipak]

While the soft summery sounds of Monade's second album evoke the nostalgia of lazy Sunday mornings past or carefree afternoons picnicking in the park, its title hints at something else, something progressive. This would certainly be accurate, for what began as the solo outlet for Stereolab chanteuse Laetitia Sadier has indeed moved a few steps ahead, incorporating a full band and fleshed-out sound, in stark contrast to Monade's 2003 Drag City debut, SOCIALISME OU BARBARIE.
Echoes of Stereolab resonate throughout A FEW STEPS MORE, with the unmistakably tuneful Ms. Sadier singing in a clear tone (and mostly in French) atop breezy bossa nova and sultry samba rhythms, all brought together by Monade's Moog-heavy melodies. The album's stunning leadoff track, "Wash and Dance", builds from a calm lounge vibe into danceable indie-pop, whereas the breathy harmonies on "Pas Toujours; Encore" melt into a trance-like epic slab of drum-and-organ drone. Still wonderful for quiet afternoons sipping coffee on the veranda, Monade has taken a few steps toward something even more fascinating and enjoyable.|