Reviewing A Stable Reference for AllMusic, Ned Raggett stated, "The biggest change on Reference has remained a near-constant ever since, namely, the removal of lyrics and vocal parts from almost all tracks, outside of some extremely understated and intentionally buried in-the-mix-bits scattered throughout the record."[1] He also noted a greater focus on "mix complexity, with subtle yet important sonic elements and samples scattered throughout the songs", concluding that "in the end, Reference already points to the increasingly more challenging albums in Labradford's near future."[1] Deborah Sprague of Trouser Press wrote that the band's "penchant for psychic drift still exists... but Labradford's paths seem a little more clear-cut the second time around".[3]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Carter Brown, Robert Donne and Mark Nelson
No.
Title
Length
1.
"Mas"
4:32
2.
"El Lago"
5:29
3.
"Streamlining"
4:44
4.
"Banco"
5:03
5.
"Eero"
6:50
6.
"Balanced on Its Own Flame"
4:02
7.
"Star City, Russia"
5:03
8.
"Comfort"
6:14
9.
"SEDR 77"
4:07
Personnel
Adapted from the A Stable Reference liner notes.[4]
[1]