Is this one of the most anticipated releases in recent times?Their debut album, Mirrored, is released in the UK on May 14, and is preceded by the single Atlas on April 2.Mirrored comes off the back of a set of EPs originally put out two and a half years ago, which was re-released by Warp as a compilation of old material, EP C/B EP in February 2006.During this time Battles have been developing a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts to grace the earth, with a legacy of much talked about sell out performances and the highlight of many underground music festivals such as ATP (picked by Mars Volta to play twice!) and Triptych. With strong word of mouth spreading, is it any wonder they have accumulated such a stronghold of fans? As is well documented, having served time in cult acts Don Caballero, Helmet, Tomahawk, Lynx and The Mark of Cain, Battles draw from a sprawling range of styles and sounds that together do not sit comfortably within any genre. They are known for their labyrinth of rhythms and strong percussive force that safely place the band outside that of any contemporaries.A long time coming, the first album proper from Battles is sure to be greeted with anticipation. The result in Mirrored simply could not have been speculated and is completely unique in its sound and style, even in comparison to previous work. For Mirrored charts an accomplished evolution since their last recordings. Still entirely intact are the unflinching experimentations and metallic angles of their young catalogue, but a new melodic insight has manifested itself in the form of some of their most engaging tracks yet. First single Atlas, is a verifiable anthem, unrelenting and gigantic, but never surrenders the skewed aesthetic of the band’s past. And with this maturation comes a record that will defy all expectation for Battles are a reflection of an entire musical diaspora…a view of innovation and tension mirrored. FULL UK TOUR MAY 2007:16.05 - London @ Scala17.05 - Sheffield @ The Corporation (with Clark live)18.05 - Bristol @ The Cooler19.05 - All Tomorrows Parties Versus The Fans Festival20.05 - Leeds @ Stylus Uni (with Clark live)22.05 - Manchester @ Academy 223.05 - Glasgow @ ABC224.05 - Birmingham – The Barfly25.05 - Dublin @ Temple Bar Music Centre
Comments (0)