The announcement of Stereolab and Yo La Tengo's presence on the Balaclava Fest 2025 line-up is a pleasant surprise. One English and the other American, the two bands emerged during the fertile alternative rock boom of the 1990s, with their very peculiar work and, in the artistic style of each, very creative work.
The two bands' geniuses had their connections back in the 1990s, in a joint tour in the United Kingdom and a split 7".
In June 1995, Stereolab and Yo La Tengo toured the United Kingdom together. During this tour in British cities, the two bands released a split single in 7" format. 1,500 copies of the vinyl were sold during the tour shows. On the 7", Stereolab contributed with “The Long Hair Of Death” and Yo La Tengo with “Evanescent Psychic Pez Drop”.
“The Long Hair Of Death”
Stereolab borrowed the title from a 1964 Italian horror film by director Antonio Margheriti. The band included “The Long Hair Of Death” on the 1998 compilation Aluminum Tunes.
“Evanescent Psychic Pez Drop”
Yo La Tengo included their track on the 1996 rarities compilation Genius + Love = Yo La Tengo.
Balaclava Fest 2025
Balaclava Fest will take place on November 9, 2025 in São Paulo. In addition to Stereolab and Yo La Tengo, the festival's lineup includes Geordie Greep from Black Midi, Fcukers, Gab Ferreira, Jovens Ateus and Walfredo em Busca da Simbiose.
