Battles - Gloss Drop

Battles' dizzying electro-prog is more focused this time around...

Posted Wednesday, 8 June 2011 in

Stripped down to a three-piece since Tyondai Braxton’s surprise departure, Battles’ sophomore effort may not have a nailed-on stand-out like their debut’s ‘Atlas’ but their dizzying electro-prog has a great deal more focus this time around. Shorn of Braxton’s somewhat idiosyncratic vocals, the trio have brought in heavyweight assistance from Chilean techno star Matias Aguayo, who guests on the Latino-tinged limpid funk of lead-off single ‘Ice Cream’, while Boredoms singer Yamatsuka Eye gives Sundome’s off-kilter skank a distinctly alien feel. But it’s hearing Gary Numan taken out of his comfort zone amid the clattering percussion of ‘My Machines’ that is truly a joy to behold.

Neil Gardner

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