
The song "International Colouring Contest" is a tribute to Lucia Pamela and opens with a sample of her voice. Composition ĪllMusic critic Heather Phares characterised Mars Audiac Quintet as a more pop-oriented affair than previous Stereolab albums, noting that it largely highlights the band's brand of space age pop. During recording, guitarist Sean O'Hagan left as a full-time member in order to focus on his band the High Llamas, but continued to be a session musician for the band ever since. Keyboardist Katharine Gifford joined the band for the recording of the album. Stereolab recorded Mars Audiac Quartet in March and April 1994. It was released on 2 August 1994 and was issued by Duophonic Records and Elektra Records. Mars Audiac Quintet is the third studio album by English-French rock band Stereolab.
