The third release from the NYC supergroup BATTLES in 2004 is probably the most interesting yet. Sparse guitar parts, intricate loops & subtle electronics are all held together by John Stanier's (HELMET) amazing drumming. Ian Williams proves yet again that DON CABALLERO wasn't just a "drummer's band." BATTLES prove that minimalism in rock can still work if done properly.

BATTLES is back again with their fourth full length, and first since 2015's "La Di Da Di". Like always, rhythm is king here, and the duo of Ian Williams and John Stanier give us the goods. The cuts here are both pummelling and catchy, relying equally on elliptical synth lines and crushing drums. This reviewer is happy to see the name of Sal Principato, lead singer of the legendary dance-punk group LIQUID LIQUID, featured as a vocalist. It's a connection I hadn't made, but just fits so perfectly. Anyway, if you're already familiar, you will not be disappointed!

2007 full-length from ex-HELMET & DON CABALLERO members. Based on those two bands alone, I bet you get a good idea of what this sounds like, but if you're not familiar, let me clue you in. JOHN STANIER (HELMET) is one of the best drummers ever. IAN WILLIAMS (DON CAB) is an amazing guitar player. Add two more members and you have BATTLES, a crazy math-rock explosion that's both hard and easy on the ears. While their songs are insanely complex, the output is really, really fun to listen to. Ranging from heavy to soft as a feather, these guys can do it all. RECOMMENDED!!!

BATTLES "2006 album "Mirrored" blew many a mind & is still continuing on it's path of instrumental destruction. Along with precision musicanship & a killer live show, BATTLES have expanded even further with interesting visuals & cool videos. This e.p. features remixes of the killer "Mirrored" track "Tonto" by THE FIELD & FOUR TET, a live version, a live version of "LEYENDECKER" as well as a remix of that track by DJ EMZ & finally a bonus DVD with videos of "Tonto" & "Atlas." It's time to take a breath now.

Yes,it's electronic. Sweeping bleeps & gurgling synths paint out the vivid colors of the Flaming Lip's 3rd album as a trio and also their most acoustic record, with folky guitar strumming and Muppet-like optimism. The first 1/4 of the album is a sort-of pop opera that draws out the battle against evil machines and the thought that super heros still exist. Here Yoshimi of The BOREDOMS is our healthy vitamin-poppin' saviour that will save us from the man who eats pink robots. She lends some backing dialogue in Japanese while we hear crowds cheer her success. The apocalyptic conflict floats further into the album and enlightens us that the world is rapidly burning, but there's still time to stop it...or at least appreciate what remains. This record truly taps in to folktronica more than The MOMUS album of the same name. Cat Steven's melodies and all, this can duel with Tortoise's rhythmic android delivery and if only Harry Nilsson and Jim Henson where alive to make the movie.

Includes widescreen & full frame versions of both the original series and the 1980 series, as well the original movie