Ones To Watch: Battles

Just before I go on a nice little holiday, I’m here to divulge about another ‘One To Watch’; Battles. This group, hailing from The Big Apple, are a neat little Experimental/Math-rock outfit who have just dropped their massive second album, ‘Gloss Drop’.

Apart from having an awesome, yet slightly weird album cover, Gloss Drop delivers on so many tiers due to its experimental nature which progresses smoothly throughout the 12-track record. Stand-out song, and first single off ‘Gloss Drop’, is a shining example of what this progressive three-piece have to offer. The tune ‘Ice Cream’ is a summery, escalating affair that seems to continuously build momentum from the combination of the thrusting guitars and keyboard. I would definitely prescribe this song to any fans of bands like Foals and Metronomy who also aren’t afraid to showcase their exploratory sounds.

What also makes Battles a memorable listen is the fact that so many of their songs don’t feature a vocalist. There are exceptions, of course, such as the previously mentioned ‘Ice Cream’ which features guest vocalist Matias Aguayo; a fairly successful DJ/producer from Chile. For the majority of the album, however, Battles seem to cope just fine despite the absence of a vocalist. This is probably down to how comfortable they are with their instruments; which they probably look to promote as the focus of their music. Battles also have a tidy sense of rhythm which they incorporate really well into their music and unlike other similar bands, the New York trio are producing some anthemic material which at times feels as though it is pushing firmly into the Dance bracket. The mind numbing ‘Wall Street’ is a pacey, toe-tapping and perfect amalgamation of everything that Battles bring to the table.

With every track off ‘Gloss Drop’ only seeming to tick more and more boxes whilst staking a case for the perfect summer soundtrack, Battles are truly heading in the right direction. Although taking approximately four years to follow up on their first album ‘Mirrored’, patience may be the key as ‘Gloss Drop’ receives critical acclaim from left, right and centre. Battles have produced a right gem of an album with ‘Gloss Drop’ but lets just hope the wait isn’t too long for their next outing.

Have a great summer.

Chilis Unveil New Album

What’s about to come is a MASSIVE slice of news that I’ve personally been waiting for (with my fingers crossed) for ages. Now that it’s finally been announced and given a title, I am pleased to say that the Red Hot Chili Peppers are set to release their new album on the 30th of August. The record, entitled ‘I’m With You’, will be the LA punk veterans’ 10th studio album. Shortyly after naming the album, the Chilis also unveiled its intriguing album artwork which has been designed by the iconic Damien Hirst. The abstract album cover, which can be seen below, has been described by lead singer Anthony Kiedis as just, ”an image. It’s art.” This however will, no doubt, still leave a number of fans racking their minds for the meaning behind it.

Moving aside from the “iconic” artwork; most of us want to know if the album is actually going to be any good. I myself am so excited by the prospect of ‘I’m With You’ because its a genuine chance for the group to prove themselves again after a four year break following the release of ‘Stadium Arcadium’, which I considered to be a slight let-down considering the world class stature of the band. I am also interested as to how newbie Josh Klinghoffer will fit into the band after the legendary John Frusciante’s departure from the group. This will, no doubt, be a giant step up for Klinghoffer who has yet to really prove his mettle although working with Warpaint, Beck and other big names as well as assisting the Chilis on their ‘Stadium Arcadium’ tour. Klinghoffer, however, has appeared in various official press shoots which have surfaced online via the official Red Hot Chili Peppers Facebook page. Adding a youthful touch to the images, which make you realise how long the Chilis have been around for, Klinghoffer is seen with companions Flea, Chad Smith and Anthony Kiedis in what looks to be a fairly lo-fi photoshoot. Keep an eye out for these photographs at the bottom of the page and note Kiedis’ questionable/epic choice of facial hair.

If this nugget of news has whetted your appetite and you fancy yourself a brand spanking new taste of Red Hot Chili, then tune in to Zane Lowe’s Radio 1 show on July 18 at 7:30pm for an exclusive first play of the upcoming album’s maiden single, ‘The Adventures of Raindance Maggie’.