One of the most exciting and progressive bands to come out of New York in the last decade, Battles have created a sophomore album that is as complex and exciting as 2007’s wildly successful Mirrored. With the same frenetic drumming, concentrated arrangements and sounds that make you wonder ‘what the hell kinda pedal is that?’ Battles have not lost their knack for writing multifaceted, mathematical prog-based pop that still manages to sound fun.
One thing the group have lost on Gloss Drop is lead singer Tyondai Braxton, who decided to leave the band in 2010 to concentrate on his solo career and a life without constant touring. If you have heard any of their debut album you will know that Braxton’s contribution, with his cartoon-like vocals and instrumental virtuosity, was an enormous part of the bands sound and style.
The loss of such a member could have meant many things for Battles. Instrumental album? Replacement singer? Fade away into musical obscurity? Luckily for fans, they chose none of these things. Instead, Battles decided to further refine their sound and recruit the help of a few guest vocalists when necessary.
From start to finish, Gloss Drop blurs the lines between house and prog, delicate and harsh, frenzied and peaceful. However, it’s not just the amalgamation of genres and moods that stand out. You have to really concentrate on the sounds and sonic atmospheres that this group creates. Listeners will often find themselves asking if that was a guitar, keyboard or oddly effected steel drum making those high-pitched melodies. It is this inventiveness, creativity and mixture of programmed and live-recorded instruments that give Battles such a unique place in modern music.
The ethereal, groove-based “Futura” is a brilliant example of the group’s ability to create a wholly entrancing soundscape. Single “My Machines”, is a distinctly Battles flavoured nod to industrial metal which features guest vocals from the father of electronic music, Gary Numan. Tracks such as “Ice Cream,” “Inchworm” and “White Electric” are a testament to the band’s ability to develop their sound even after the loss of a key member. Vocal appearances from Kazu Makino (Blonde Redhead) Yamantaka Eye (Boredoms) and dance producer Matias Aguayo provide great variety.
Gloss Drop is not an album to be compared with Battles previous work. Instead, it is the result of a band that will never stop experimenting and moving forward with their sound and style. This music comes from a time where hover-boards exist, and they sound like fun.
– Nigel Moyes
