Pitchfork

Though its beginnings lie in the bedroom of Stereolab singer, lyricist, and multi- instrumentalist Laetitia Sadier, Monade has slowly but surely invited more and more folks to the sleepover, transforming into the full-fledged musical unit it is today.

Sadier is still at the helm, joined at present by bassist Marie Merlet, keyboardist/guitarist Nicolas Etienne, drummer David Loquier, and multi-instrumentalist Joe Watson (also of Stereolab). Monade will issue its third LP (and second as a full band), Monstre Cosmic, February 19 in the U.S. and February 18 in the UK via Too Pure/Duophonic. The disc also features guest vocals by Luna Parker's Rachel Ortas and string work by members of the Bordeaux Conservatoire. And, like just about anything Laetitia sings over, it is lovely, and there are synths aplenty.

Monade have a handful of dates in Europe and the UK in February and March. Stereolab, too, have a show on the way: July 19 at Tønsberg, Norway's Slottsfjell Festival.

Monstre Cosmic:

01 Noir-Noir
02 Étoile
03 Lost Language
04 Elle Topo
05 Messe Joyeuse
06 Regarde
07 Invitation
08 Tout et Tout Est Un
09 Entre Chein et Loup
10 Change of Destination
11 White Light [hidden track]

Monade:

02-15 Paris, France - Le Divan du Monde
02-17 Vevey, Switzerland - Le Rocking Chair
02-19 Trieste, Italy - Teatro Miela
02-21 Milan, Italy - La Casa
02-22 Venice, Italy - Teatro Fondamenta Nuove
02-23 Bologna, Italy - Il Covo
02-28 Brighton, England - Komedia *
02-29 London, England - Borderline *
03-01 Glasgow, Scotland - Nice'n'Sleazy

* with It Hugs Back