Yet a new phase in Stereolab's sound. Yes, the group had always embraced the seventies german experimental rock scene, but now they were fully embracing their pop side as well, incorporating the jazzy elements of all those lounge records of the same era. Emperor Tomato Ketchup was hinting at this ever so slightly, but it's with Dots And Loops that the group went all the way: xylophone, brass instruments, strummed acoustic guitars and brushed, light drum work. Just listen to the only single off of the album, Miss Modular and you'll understand what I'm talking about, especially if you compare with their earlier releases (even the predecessor). The seventeen-minute-and-a-half long Refractions In The Plastic Pulse is the closest thing the band comes to sounding experimental (but it also sounds a lot more electronic as well, like the burgeoning IDM scene at the time of the album's release).