Mirrored - Battles (Album Review)
This album is a bridge, a bridge between the two more distinctive and obvious sides to music; the present and the future. Some of the longer serving, more hardcore fans complained that Battles sold out with Mirrored because it is much less progressive and abstract than the few, rare EPs they released during 2004 (consolidated by Warp and released February 2006). The tracks of EP C/B EP were too far into the future for the masses, too hard to relate to and/or enjoy.
So, it seems, Battles took a step back and questioned their motives with Mirrored. This is a rhythm and percussion orientated album, with drum prodigy Stanier playing the protagonist/conductor throughout the LP. Reason 1 as to why this album is more accessible to we the people: you can dance to it. Whether it be in a crowd, chair or kitchen, Stanier’s complex and inspiring rhythms are centred around a solid, head-nodding beat that doesn’t waiver or falter like many progressive/electronic artists tend to let their percussion do in the quest for original material.
Battles consists of 4 geeks, 3 guitars, 2 keyboards/laptops, 1 synthesiser and 1 drum kit; nothing new and unknown. It is what the band does with these assets that has won critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic. Battles have taken various elements from the popular music and culture of our time and then torn them apart, changed their molecular structure and spliced them together as they see fit, just as any deserving progressive rock band should do. Perhaps the label of Math Rock is fitting because Battles have worked the equations well. The faultless, powerful drumming, the arcade game style keyboards featured in the longer tracks and the software enhanced, danceflooresque vocals all resonate in our minds. Oh and don’t forget the bass.
Reason 23 as to why this album rocks (…and is accessible): It has structure. It starts with ‘Race : In’ and ends with ‘Race : Out’, what more do you want? The two tracks echo each other so that by the end of Mirrored it feels like Stanier and friends have taken you on a magical journey that leads back to the start and teases you into pressing play one more time. Just like a journey through our environment, Mirrored includes the natural and the unnatural. Stanier’s bright yellow drum kit is the earth, the tree, the river with Braxton, Williams and Konopka evolving and building highways, skyscrapers and dams.
If you want something more (but not too much more), buy this album, give it 3½ listens and dance. This band have got their s**t together.
9/10 (These numbers will look better soon)
Released: 05/07
Posted by Oldsy | 
July 31, 2007 6:21 PM | Permalink | 
Digg This | 
Del.icio.us
Comments (1)
I <3 boxmusique
Posted by oli | August 17, 2007 7:25 PM