|
By: Karl-Erik Stromsta
The term "math rock" has been bandied about loosely since the ‘80s, having now become a mindless way of categorizing any band that makes an honest effort to search for unpredictability within tight, algorithmic song structures, finding chaos within patterns. But, to brand the NYC-based Battles' full-length debut Mirrored (Warp) as math rock -- as is being done by legions of critics -- is a shameful oversimplification.
It is not the robotic near-perfection of Mirrored that makes it such an interesting album, but rather its humanity in the face of the digital onslaught. Yes, it is unrepentantly futuristic and snobby, but, at its core, it's all blistered fingers, sweaty t-shirts and knowing smiles.
Mirrored immediately establishes its iconoclastic nature with the deliciously aggressive "Race In," all frenzied staccato and church-chime crescendo. "Tonto" is a glam-drenched, knives-out barnburner, blasted forward by ex- Helmet drummer John Stanier's powerful drum work and a Go!Team -meets- Tortoise sense of fiasco. The song is instantly unforgettable.
At times, Battles have a tendency to revel in their own quirkiness for a tad too long ("Rainbow"), and there are at least five minutes of unnecessary album fat that should have been trimmed. However, overall, Mirrored is a remarkably refreshing record, blending experimentalism and powerful pop in a way that would make Brian Wilson crack a smile.
Make no mistake, Mirrored is an intellectual and artistic tour de force, and will surely go down as one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the year. But don't let that fool you. It's also really fun to listen to.
JamBase | New York
Go See Live Music!
| 
