ARTIST:
BATTLES


ALBUM:
GLOSS DROP


KEY TRACKS:  
INCHWORM
SUNDOME
ICE CREAM




Battles is certainly one of the more avant garde groups in my iPod.  An experimental rock group from New York City, Battles is a band with a sound that's a bit of an acquired taste.  I first listened to Battles debut effort, Mirrored, back in college and was left a bit confused when the record stopped.  This was probably the first time I'd ever heard an experimental, purely instrumental rock band before and the heavy beats pulverized my head so much that my brain probably looked like the artwork posted above.  


But slowly I've become accustomed to the plucking strings, rattling guitars, and all the other sounds Battles throws into the mix.  What results is a polarizing cocktail that will either have you turning up the volume in approval or taking some aspirin to get rid of your sound-induced headache.  I was once the one nursing the headache, but now I'm partying a little harder when Battles comes on.


Battles sophomore release is really like Mirrored part two.  All the same jangling, rattling, erratic beats are there although I will admit there is more of a tribal feel to this release.  Which is an excellent showcase for Battles's drummer:  John Stanier (who is a fucking animal on the drums).  Most apparent is in the album's lead single Ice Cream as well as Dominican Fade and Sundome.


There are some real gems on this album, especially the album's closer:  Sundome.  There is a softness present here that I haven't heard from Battles before.  It's a lovely tune to close the album with.   What's really remarkable is that is really sounds like a closing track.  It's like the band is saying "see you next time".  But predictability isn't this band's strong suit so of course the beats pick up and Battles give you a particularly noisy send off towards the close of the track.  


 However, Inchworm is the track that stands out the most for me.  It's those rubbery sounding synths in the opening that really caught my ears.  And as tacky as it sounds, the tempo of this track does mimic the rhythm of an inchworm.  Ever since making that connection, the image of a crawling inchworm does enter my mind when this track comes on.  


There is one track that is clearly out of place on this album:  Toddler.  At this point in the album it's been a pretty steady progression of rock until you get to this strange slow paced track.  You certainly get the imagery of a toddler taking those first shaky first steps but it just sounds unpleasant compared to the other tracks.


Nonetheless the album as a whole is a real testament to the power and importance of cohesiveness in a band's sound.  Battles have not abandoned that aggressive rock that put them on the map.  They keeping doing what they do best.  So that being said, can they still be an experimental rock band?  After hearing this band I think you'll agree that yes, it's definitely still experimental. 


I've got tickets to see Battles this summer on their festival tour, and based on the footage I've seen of them live this is one act I'm definitely not missing.  

LISTEN:  INCHWORM  |  ICE CREAM  |  SUNDOME

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