Battles

Battles…although they released two EPs as of June 2004, not many caught on to this band until recent. Largely due to the release of their first full length LP Mirrored and their recent Europe/US 2007 tour this band is getting the recognition they demand. The group is a quartet comprised of musicians all bringing to the table a strong math rock/experimental background (drummer John Stanier of Helmet and Tomahawk, guitarist/keyboardist Ian Williams of Don Caballero and Storm & Stress, guitarist David Konopka of Lynx, and avant solo musician Tyondai Braxton).

The single, “Atlas” off their debut album is quite a catchy number to say the least. The vocals sound like a crazed chipmunk ranting poetry high on helium, while an ensemble of guitar riffs seemingly in different time signatures dance over a driving steady beat. The buzzing and popping of distorted synth melodies interrupt the chipmunk’s rant perfectly.

With so much going on in the music one would wonder how the group could pull such a feat off in a live performance. With the aid of modern technology, (loop pedals, voice samples, lap tops) as well as the ability of both Ian Williams and Tyondai Braxton (son of prolific jazz musician Anthony Braxton) to play both guitar and synth, occasionally simultaneously, and the solid rhythm of John Stanier this group puts on an amazing performance, with out sacrificing any of the multi layered sound of the album. Listen to the live clip I captured ( Click here to listen to the clip. May take about 15 seconds to load but well worth the wait! http://ctcmagazine.com/Battles.mp3)at their most recent 2007 show in Portland, OR and see for yourself.

Even if post/math/experimental-rock is not exactly your thing, I would still suggest taking the time to see this group or at least give their music a listen. The sound takes you on a journey through the extremes: from complex—sometimes to the point of aggravation—to playful, manic and tense to mannered and circular. This band will have you scratching your head and tapping your foot at the same time.