Laetitia Sadier: The Trip
by Jeff Klingman
The Trip
(drag city)
Stereolab’s sound is so well—established that every new influence fades into their gentle, monolithic chug. Escaping that suffocating singularity with side—projects makes sense, so it was puzzling when singer/lyricist Laetitia Sadier formed Monade only to reaffirm devotion to kraut— and lounge—tinged sonics. The Trip, Sadier’s first self—billed solo effort, is a short, sleepy record that reveals itself as subtly distinct. Mournful opener"One Million Year Trip" immediately sounds looser, rougher than Stereolab, sacrificing perpetual momentum for interesting tangents. A trio of neat covers brings out her best. Sadier sounds refreshingly direct doing late—60s psych folk, intriguingly alien slowly singing Gershwin standard "Summertime", and, best of all, like both sides of a lusty Gainsbourg duet on Godard—beloved mid—80s track"Un Soir, Un Chien." The Trip doesn’t wander too far, but it’s a nice little diversion.
