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

NEXT WEEK:  HOT CHIP  |  ONE LIFE STAND

ARTIST:
BEAR IN HEAVEN


ALBUM:
BEAST REST FORTH MOUTH


KEY TRACKS:
BEAST IN PEACE
LOVESICK TEENAGERS
WHOLEHEARTED MESS
CASUAL GOODBYE


"don't bother leaving, we're already gone"


There are powerful albums out there that make you stop in your tracks, turn up the dial, and just soak it in.  This is one of those albums.  It's incredible to me that 3 guys from Brooklyn have created such a huge, all encompassing sound.  This album is so much bigger than you can imagine.

First and foremost I would be lying if I said Bear in Heaven was a regular on my playlist.  However, this album was given to me by someone who's musical tastes I really respect and knew that I had to give it a try.  I didn't know much about Bear in Heaven, well actually I still don't, but I did have a few singles which I got off a free sampler from SPIN.  Man have I been deprived!  This album is huge.  


It took hold of me from the start because the opening track is unbelievable.  Beast in Peace starts small, like a little flame, then explodes into a colossal track of tribal percussion (seriously, this drummer is bad ass), ethereal vocals, and all encompassing synths.  This music really envelopes you in its psychedelic waves and almost primes you for what the album will be like.  However, instead of having that initial flame die out, Bear in Heaven really smolders. 


Wholehearted Mess and You Do You stand strong after the initial hype of Beast In Peace, these tracks are really advanced and have so many layers of sound that it's nice to peel them apart on each listen.  There's also a level of maturity in these compositions that you simply don't hear from newer acts these days.  These guys have been around the block - and judging from the pictures, they know what the fuck's up.  

Lovesick Teenagers is most likely the track you'll recognize from all the music blogs out there.  I certainly did.  It's very on trend for what was produced on most 2010 releases.  There has been a really strong 80's influence in music lately and certainly that presence is on this track.  However, instead of sounding dated, Bear in Heaven, have taken 80's synths and have transformed them into a sort of new wave composition.  This track certainly stands out among all of the unusual sound combinations that pepper this album.


For me, what's most interesting about the album is how it comes full circle.  Casual Goodbye is the album's closer and could also be titled Lovesick Teenagers Part 2.  The closer track reprises Lovesick Teenagers instrumentals with parting lyrics:  "it's a casual goodbye, goodbye".  I really really like it when artists respect an composition enough to treat it more like a soundtrack or an experience rather than just a collection of singles.  Respect and integrity for the full album certainly deserves recognition in my book.


So although it ends with Casual Goodbye, after the first listen it was more of a wholehearted welcome:  I've just met one of my new favorite bands! 

LISTEN:  BEAST IN PEACE  |  LOVESICK TEENAGERS  |  WHOLEHEARTED MESS  |  CASUAL GOODBYE

NEXT WEEK:  BECK  |  GUERO