Records of the Week

OFFICIAL SITE OF BATTLES

Newly rearranged Battles came at us with a more take-charge sound in their second full length Gloss Drop. Four years after ‘MIRRORED’ and the loss of member Tyondai Braxton puts Gloss Drop to a high test. To review ‘Gloss Drop’ strictly on terms of comparison of ‘MIRRORED’ would not be fitting, because as with any musical project each album is a testament to a different era of creation.  ’Gloss Drop’ is a logical next step in Battles’ progression as this album includes many of the same aspects entangled with the new ideas.  Opening with Africastle a generous preview of the album can be seen, circular eclectic riffs very similar to the ‘MIRRORED’ sound. Battles’ first single “Ice Cream” features vocals from Matais Aguayo are only somewhat favorable, but probably better left out.  Obscure vocals are indeed a part of the Battles sound, however in Ice Cream & Sundome they would be far better off with just their instrumental talent.  ’Sweetie & Shag’ did however complement the female vocals, something that had be unexplored previously. Even with that said, ‘Gloss Drop’ is remembered with tracks like ‘Futura’ & ‘Wall Street’.  Most notably the album ventures into the obscure, ‘Dominican Fade’ and ‘Rolls Bayce’ have this distinct edge.  The slower instrumentals such as short lived ‘Toddler’ serve ‘Gloss Drop’ to complete this album with a full range of musical exploration.  On a final note, once dived into ‘Gloss Drop’ sticks to you, similar to how i would imagine that pink gummy pile on the album’s cover.