The Apples in Stereo

Travellers in Space and Time (Simian/Yep Roc/Elephant 6)

By Daniela Garcia
Published: April 22nd, 2010 | 7:00am

If you find yourself craving a healthy dose of psychedelic electro-pop, be sure to check out Travellers in Space and Time, the seventh LP by Robert Schneider and co’s the Apples in Stereo. The ‘60s pop influences found in much of the band’s past releases is now combined with futuristic beats and sounds provided by synths and a vocoder, creating robotic-sounding backup vocals. Early Travellers highlights include the catchy, piano-driven “Dream About the Future” and fun first single “Dance Floor,” which sounds like hipster disco.

While a long track list has worked in the past (2007’s New Magnetic Wonder had 24), it seems even 14 may have been ambitious this time around, as some songs towards the end of Travellers feel out of place. It’s always interesting when vocal duties are shared, but when Schneider hands over the reins, it’s almost like listening to a different band entirely. “Next Year at About the Same Time” has a lower-voiced member singing to a guitar-heavy beat, effectively throwing a cog into what could have been a much more cohesive album.

Overall, the album is solid if not slightly erratic. But, if you ever find yourself at a disco-themed bash or intergalactic dance party, this album should definitely be added to the playlist.

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The Apples in Stereo official Web site

The Apples in Stereo MySpace page

Simian Records/Yep Roc Records