Debut album MIRRORED out May 14th
Warp is very pleased to announce the return of Battles with their new album, MIRRORED out May 14th 2007. Preceding what is actually their debut album, ATLAS their first single will be released 2nd of April. 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? Support has also been extended in the UK press, where quotes like these have been widely replicated:‘Out to defy all expectations.... a new force to be reckoned with’ Rock Sound Feb 2006 ‘Monumental Sound’ The Independent ‘Live rep to die for… Instro-math riot of rhythm’n’sound’ Mojo March ’06 ‘The cream of underground avant garde jazz and post-rock… mind bending. Devilishly complex’ The ObserverAs 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. With Atlas comes an incredible music video by Tim Saccenti – details of which will be with you soon.
Offering insight into Mirrored, Battles reflected: “This record is a culmination of ideas that we were working with in the past and directions in music we were going towards individually. It's not so much a new direction as it is taking what we've done and going in four different directions with it.
We think the record is more dynamic and shows the band maturation. Being that we're more comfortable as a band the record is more fun.
We were excited to test our hands at writing songs for the record still using frame work from the EP's. We wanted to use lyrical vocals this time around to see what it would be like and to push ourselves to integrate new elements that would evolve the band”.
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 @ Scala
17.05 Sheffield @ The Corporation (with Clark live)
18.05 Bristol @ The Cooler
19.05 All Tomorrows Parties Versus The Fans Festival
20.05 Leeds @ Stylus Uni (with Clark live)
22.05 Manchester @ Academy 2
23.05 Glasgow @ ABC2
24.05 Birmingham – The Barfly
25.05 Dublin @ Temple Bar Music Centre
Battles