Modern Cosmology, Laetitia Sadier & Mombojó

The project of Stereolab's Laetitia Sadier and Brazilian group Mombojó, Modern Cosmology's lively fusion of electronic pop, psychedelia, MPB, and more speaks to the power of unexpected friendships. Recorded during a two-week residency, the group's kaleidoscopic 2016 debut EP, Summer Long, evoked artists ranging from Gal Costa to Os Mutantes to Neu! Though Sadier and Mombojó had to create much of 2023's full-length What Will You Grow Now? remotely, Modern Cosmology's chemistry remained strong on the album's freewheeling, improvisatory tracks. The project's roots date back to 2012, when Sadier met the members of Mombojó -- singer/guitarist Felipe S., guitarist Marcelo Machado, drummer Vicente Machado, keyboardist Chiquinho, and bassist Missionário José -- after a show in São Paulo. Having grown up on Stereolab's music, the Recife band gave her a copy of their 2006 APCA award-winning album, Homem-Espuma. Sadier became a fan of Mombojó's blend of Brazilian folk, samba, psychedelia, and the indie pop and rock sounds of their favorite U.S. and U.K. acts. After striking up a friendship with the band, she first worked with them on their 2014 album Alexandre. Mombojó and Sadier's collaboration became more involved when she joined the group in Recife for a two-week residency, during which time they dubbed their project Modern Cosmology. Recorded during this residency, the band's debut EP, Summer Long, was released by Elefant in June 2017 and blended electronics, MPB, bossa nova, and psychedelic influences. Though Modern Cosmology began recording their first full-length in 2016, Mombojó's and Sadier's other commitments -- which included Stereolab's reunion -- and the COVID-19 global pandemic protracted their creative process. Combining jams Mombojó recorded in locations including a studio at a local university and a motorboat on the Capibaribe River with Sadier's remotely recorded vocals, the lively, spontaneous What Will You Grow Now? appeared in May 2023 on Duophonic.
© Heather Phares /TiVo