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Battles in Progarchives

Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Bands, Artists and Genres Appreciation
Forum Description: Discuss specific prog bands and their members or a specific sub-genre
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=43494
Printed Date: November 27 2024 at 20:50
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: Battles in Progarchives
Posted By: chamberry
Subject: Battles in Progarchives
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 19:57
Finally! Battles has been added to Progarchives under the Heavy Prog genre.

In case some of you don't know about them they're a math rock band that plays with inhuman precision. They're very minimalistic, have strong Discipline-era King Crimson influences as well as some Krautrock and Electronica. Aside from being labeled as a math rock band, they've been also labeled as Dance Prog (note: not a real genre, but very descriptive of their sound). The music is very accessible, but complex at the same time.

So I'm here to recommend this band to people who haven't checked them out yet and also discus about their music for the ones who already know about them.


Here are some samples for those who don't know them:
Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/battlestheband - http://www.myspace.com/battlestheband
Full 1-hour concert: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PbYLafK1OU - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PbYLafK1OU
Atlas video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpGp-22t0lU - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpGp-22t0lU
Tonto video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LLAN29W-4w - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LLAN29W-4w
Tras live video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7W2zMmbB2E - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7W2zMmbB2E (the most quickly rewarding song for prog fans)
Reviews: http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/battles/mirrored/ - http://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/battles/mirrored/


Check out one of this year's most innovative band in the field of Progressive Rock! Big%20smile



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Replies:
Posted By: rileydog22
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 20:12
I was wondering when they'd be added.  I saw a YouTube video of them and immediately searched ProgArchives for them.  I was astounded that they weren't on the site.  Good to see another fresh, innovative group on the site.  

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Posted By: Yorkie X
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 20:15
I watched the youtube video ... not sure what to think of them actually I do know what to think of them what I say is another thing Stern%20Smile

BTW is this thread in the correct section ? 


Posted By: micky
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 20:16
this is a great addtion.... I watched that hour long youtube clip last week and while it isn't exactly my kind of prog... it was damn good enough to keep my attention.  Past midnight if I remember right.

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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip


Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 20:21
Thanks for the replies guys. Keep them coming!

Originally posted by Yorkie X Yorkie X wrote:

I watched the youtube video ... not sure what to think of them Stern%20Smile

BTW is this thread in the correct section ? 

Tell me what you think about them. What did you or didn't you liked?

BTW, the thread is for recommending and discussing the band so its 50/50.




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Posted By: ProgBagel
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 20:27
HAhaha I remember watching that video a while ago, these guys are crazy.


Posted By: Yorkie X
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 20:29
what I liked ... innovative they seem to be good muso's  noticed that one of the keyboard players can play keys and a guitar together at the same time ..  look  maybe the youtube vid is poorly mixed and the audio quality suffers for this ..  I`ll need to check out the other samples I think before I say anymore  I never have been into experimental heavy type  stuff much anyway  so I`m probably not the guy to judge  ... 


Posted By: micky
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 20:30
Originally posted by ProgBagel ProgBagel wrote:

HAhaha I remember watching that video a while ago, these guys are crazy.


that they are LOL ..... I am screening a band right now or else I'd be watching that clip again.  Clap


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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip


Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 20:32
I must admit on hearing a couple of tunes I thought Blah! overhyped derivative mush, what on Earth are they doing on such a fine label as Warp? Then I heard Atlas - 'kin excellent - that is the business - I'll have more of that. Approve I need to watch the video to see how much more of them I like and how much leaves me unmoved.

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What?


Posted By: micky
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 20:34
Originally posted by Yorkie X Yorkie X wrote:

what I liked ... innovative they seem to be good muso's  noticed that one of the keyboard players can play keys and a guitar together at the same time ..  look  maybe the youtube vid is poorly mixed and the audio quality suffers for this ..  I`ll need to check out the other samples I think before I say anymore  I never have been into experimental heavy type  stuff much anyway  so I`m probably not the guy to judge  ... 


not my style either... but even if it doesn't 'hit' you.. you can really see those guys have their sh*t wired tight and,  as you say,  are good musicans. Plus  the music is pretty interesting.  Like I said.. enough to keep me interested  for the length of a first listen/watch.


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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip


Posted By: rushaholic
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 20:36
Great addition - love their music!


Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 20:39
Originally posted by darqdean darqdean wrote:

I must admit on hearing a couple of tunes I thought Blah! overhyped derivative mush, what on Earth are they doing on such a fine label as Warp? Then I heard Atlas - 'kin excellent - that is the business - I'll have more of that. Approve I need to watch the video to see how much more of them I like and how much leaves me unmoved.


I thought the same the first time I heard them and I felt the same as well when I listened to the full album, but when I saw that 1-hour concert I was literally stunned. I never thought that the music was that complex and the energy the band lacks in the album is perfectly illustrated in the concert (specially the drummer Heart). I never thought the same about them ever since and know they're literally my favorite band of 2007!



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Posted By: Proletariat
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 20:39
Wow! Battles are the great, they have the most exciting new sound that I have heard in a long time. I like the fact that they play a totally different kind of music they arn't mathrock at all anymore they are somthing more

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who hiccuped endlessly trying to giggle but wound up with a sob


Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 21:04
Why did the thread got changed?Ermm It's a recommendation AND discussion thread...

Originally posted by Proletariat Proletariat wrote:

Wow! Battles are the great, they have the most exciting new sound that I have heard in a long time. I like the fact that they play a totally different kind of music they arn't mathrock at all anymore they are somthing more

I definitely agree with you here. They're being labeled as math rock, but they don't sound like any math rock band I've heard of. In fact, they sound like any band I've heard before!



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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 21:11
I've only seen and heard one track on Jools Holland's show last week and that track was excellent (I cannot for the life of me remember what track it was though).  I'll certainly check them out further.

By the way, one of the guitarists is also a member of Don Caballero.


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Posted By: micky
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 21:13
Originally posted by chamberry chamberry wrote:

Why did the thread got changed?Ermm It's a recommendation AND discussion thread...



LOL  we'll keep it active for you Ruben


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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip


Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 21:18
The song's called Atlas. I posted the music video if you're interested. The Tonto music video is great as well.

And yes, Ian Williams was the ex-guitarist of Don Caballero. The other guitarist, Tyondai Braxton is the son of Avant-garde Jazz musician Anthony Braxton!



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Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 21:21
Originally posted by micky micky wrote:

Originally posted by chamberry chamberry wrote:

Why did the thread got changed?Ermm It's a recommendation AND discussion thread...



LOL  we'll keep it active for you Ruben

Aww. You'll do that for me?Embarrassed LOL Wink



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Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 21:21
Not really doing much for me so far.  I am hearing some Les Claypool-type vibes however. 

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Posted By: 1800iareyay
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 21:47
This thread title was disappointingly misleading. I thought the DT haters finally invented digital torches and pitchforks.


Posted By: micky
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 21:53
Originally posted by 1800iareyay 1800iareyay wrote:

This thread title was disappointingly misleading. I thought the DT haters finally invented digital torches and pitchforks.


hahahha... been there and done that... we have larger fish to fry now LOL

A new generation will arise some time... to take Raff and I's place as  the feared scourge  of DT fans everywhere


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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip


Posted By: rileydog22
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 21:59
Originally posted by micky micky wrote:

Originally posted by 1800iareyay 1800iareyay wrote:

This thread title was disappointingly misleading. I thought the DT haters finally invented digital torches and pitchforks.


hahahha... been there and done that... we have larger fish to fry now LOL

A new generation will arise some time... to take Raff and I's place as  the feared scourge  of DT fans everywhere


WAY AHED OF U LAWL.


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Posted By: Shakespeare
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 22:00
 My webtorch is in the shop, but I'll be back in the field soon. Watch out, DT lovers. 


Posted By: rileydog22
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 22:03
Oh man, I just pictured you and me, back to back, ghettoblaster playing Magma next to us,  fighting to the death against hoards of DT fanboys, screaming WURDAH LABRIE WURDAH RUDESS WURDAH PORTNOY WURDAH MYUNG WURDAY PETRUCCI.  That would be so epic. 

What was this thread about again? 


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Posted By: Shakespeare
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 22:12
Hijack'd

Yeah, and we had lightsabers.


Posted By: micky
Date Posted: November 14 2007 at 22:25
now that I have finished by PA's business for the night... going to enjoy that youtube video again

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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip


Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: November 15 2007 at 08:51
Yes, we have the Battles for PA just like the battle for Middle-earth in the LoTR moviesLOL...

Seriously, though, a great addition to the site, a band that does what the name of our beloved genre says - progress, not just recycle sounds and ideas dating back from 30 and over years ago. If you are happy about them being here, give thanks to Ruben and the members of the HP team (David and I) for fishing them out of the limbo in which far too many suggestions end up.


Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 15 2007 at 10:47
Just made a review for Mirrored. Big%20smile

Streamable audio coming soon...



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Posted By: el böthy
Date Posted: November 15 2007 at 11:12
Battles are coming to Argentina!! I´m so there!

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"You want me to play what, Robert?"


Posted By: cynthiasmallet
Date Posted: November 15 2007 at 11:15
In the end it will be one Genesis fan and 300 Dream Theatre fans, and he will have one bullet left in his chamber...

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Would you like to watch TV, or get between the sheets, or contemplate the silent freeway, would you like something to eat?


Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: November 15 2007 at 12:45
About time, Mirrored is definitely the best album I have come across this year.ClapThumbs%20Up

And a great review from Cham as well.


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Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005



Posted By: Raff
Date Posted: November 15 2007 at 12:52
Great review indeedClap! I think it really captures the essence of the album - perhaps not always easy on the ear as other kinds of prog can be, but definitely fresh and innovative, and accessible in a very special kind of way.


Posted By: Visitor13
Date Posted: November 15 2007 at 16:46
Great band, great addition!


Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 15 2007 at 17:56
Thanks for all the positive responses guys! Big%20smile

Hopefully more prog fans will stop and take notice.



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Posted By: rileydog22
Date Posted: November 15 2007 at 18:04
Originally posted by cynthiasmallet cynthiasmallet wrote:

In the end it will be one Genesis fan and 300 Dream Theatre fans, and he will have one bullet left in his chamber...


But then Rainbow Six (ok, the STC Five) will storm in and take those fanboys OUT. 

BTW you spelled theater wrong. 


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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: November 15 2007 at 18:30
Originally posted by rileydog22 rileydog22 wrote:

Originally posted by cynthiasmallet cynthiasmallet wrote:

In the end it will be one Genesis fan and 300 Dream Theatre fans, and he will have one bullet left in his chamber...


But then Rainbow Six (ok, the STC Five) will storm in and take those fanboys OUT. 

BTW you spelled theater wrong. 

You wish, I happen to be a sniper comparable to The End.Wink


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Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005



Posted By: rileydog22
Date Posted: November 15 2007 at 18:32
Two words:
Counter-sniper. 

BTW, is it one word or two if it's hyphenated? 


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Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 16 2007 at 19:56
Bump.

Added the videos to the band's PA page as well as this new one:
http://www.progarchives.com/media.asp?id=937 - http://www.progarchives.com/media.asp?id=937

and the interview from the Jools Holland show:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/later/series30/episode02/ - http://www.bbc.co.uk/later/series30/episode02/




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Posted By: moreitsythanyou
Date Posted: November 16 2007 at 20:00
Good thing they finally got added. I reviewed Mirrored for my paper, so I might as well add that. 

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<font color=white>butts, lol[/COLOR]



Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 17 2007 at 13:40
^^^ Great review moreitsy. Clap



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Posted By: Philéas
Date Posted: November 17 2007 at 15:33
A great addition indeed! But personally I feel they would've made more sense in Experimental/Post-Rock.


Posted By: Proletariat
Date Posted: November 17 2007 at 15:39
^^^
They'll make even more sence in math-rock soon enough


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who hiccuped endlessly trying to giggle but wound up with a sob


Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 17 2007 at 16:05
They're in Heavy Prog for now.

Hopefully the Math Rock genre will be added soon and it'll be part of the Post-Rock genre. All I need is one more Yes vote from one member of the Post-Rock team, An approval from M@x and we'll be ready to go. The genre will read as followed:   "Math Rock / Post-Rock"

Smile




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Posted By: Philéas
Date Posted: November 17 2007 at 18:03
^Sounds good to me. Thumbs%20Up


Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: November 17 2007 at 18:59
Me also.

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Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005



Posted By: el böthy
Date Posted: November 19 2007 at 10:57
I already got my ticket for this friday... hope it´s good!

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"You want me to play what, Robert?"


Posted By: Prog-jester
Date Posted: November 19 2007 at 12:02
Nice stuff (listening almost the whole week to it), but a bit too cold and MATH to be appreciated THAT much. It's only me, y'know A solid 3 star-effort...and it may grow, I'm telling you!


Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 19 2007 at 13:17
^^^ That's the beauty of it.Wink

Originally posted by el böthy el böthy wrote:

I already got my ticket for this friday... hope it´s good!

Do tell us how it went!



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Posted By: Philéas
Date Posted: November 19 2007 at 16:36
Originally posted by Prog-jester Prog-jester wrote:

Nice stuff (listening almost the whole week to it), but a bit too cold and MATH to be appreciated THAT much. It's only me, y'know A solid 3 star-effort...and it may grow, I'm telling you!


The album's definitely a grower. My first thoughts of it were the same as yours, though after a couple more listens I started to appreciate it more. Four stars, I'd say. Smile


Posted By: Prog-jester
Date Posted: November 20 2007 at 10:02
ckfu, this "Atlas" video grabs me! And that catchy tune...ah, get it out of my head somebody!!!


Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 20 2007 at 10:36
^^^ That's how I started and look at me now!  I'm a Battles freak! Tongue

BTW, Did you checked the 1-hour concert? I started to appreciate them more after seeing HOW they do their music.



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Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: November 20 2007 at 11:08
Originally posted by Prog-jester Prog-jester wrote:

ckfu, this "Atlas" video grabs me! And that catchy tune...ah, get it out of my head somebody!!!
all together now...
 
The people won't be people when they hear this sound
Won't you show me what begins at the edge of town...
 
The singer is a crook
The singer is a crook
The singer is a crook
The singer is a crook
 
::bounce bounce bounce bounce::


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What?


Posted By: Prog-jester
Date Posted: November 20 2007 at 14:46
Originally posted by chamberry chamberry wrote:

^^^ That's how I started and look at me now!  I'm a Battles freak! TongueBTW, Did you checked the 1-hour concert? I started to appreciate them more after seeing HOW they do their music.


ckfu three times my traffic I can't use streaming stuff unfortunately...


Posted By: Prog-jester
Date Posted: November 20 2007 at 14:48
Oh, and I listened to the whole album today. Twice



Why are ya all staring at me? Three stars I said!!!!



Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: November 20 2007 at 16:07
Originally posted by Prog-jester Prog-jester wrote:

Oh, and I listened to the whole album today. Twice



Why are ya all staring at me? Three stars I said!!!!


Two weeks and it'll be four.Wink


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Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005



Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 20 2007 at 20:34
^^^ Week and a half by the rate he's going. Approve



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Posted By: Prog-jester
Date Posted: November 21 2007 at 02:36
stop pushing at me!!!


Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: November 22 2007 at 03:42
Bounce bounce...

You know, listening to Atlas again (this time the shorter single version), it reminds me a bit of Henry Cow, but very slighly.  I hear Crimsonisms in there too, mind you.

I must listen to the album some time.


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Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 22 2007 at 14:11
^^^ Have you seen the Tonto video?  It's their second single. The videos is great too. Check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LLAN29W-4w - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LLAN29W-4w



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Posted By: Prog-jester
Date Posted: November 22 2007 at 15:10
*with a hand reaching out to push the link*

I...won't...make...this...I...am...STRONG!!!...


Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 22 2007 at 15:16
CLICK IT.  You know you want to. Evil%20Smile

Seriously, I like the video more than the Atlas one. The music is a bit more rockier too.



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Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 25 2007 at 17:37
BUMP.

No new fans? Not even a negative comment about the band? Ermm



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Posted By: rushaholic
Date Posted: November 25 2007 at 18:42
Listening to Mirrored as I write.  Love the band.


Posted By: micky
Date Posted: November 25 2007 at 18:46
slowly becomming one Ruben LOL... I told Richard, who played them on his radio show, that the more I hear them.. the more I like them. 

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The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip


Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 25 2007 at 19:05
That's good to know Micky. The band's definitely a grower. I'm on the lookout for their EP compilation.  Hopefully I'll get a chance to listen to it by Christmas...

Originally posted by rushaholic rushaholic wrote:

Listening to Mirrored as I write.  Love the band.

Great! I really liked your recent reviews. Are we going to see a review of Mirrors soon? Big%20smile



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Posted By: Proletariat
Date Posted: November 25 2007 at 19:27
listened to the EP C the other day, I dont think I liked it as much as mirrored. By the way when can I expect to see mathrock freed from being part of heavy prog.

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who hiccuped endlessly trying to giggle but wound up with a sob


Posted By: Sr Limpio
Date Posted: November 25 2007 at 20:25
they were here in chile last thursday... I couldn't go but my brother did...

AWESOME show... according to his words...

I love the album... it's fun and heavy... can't help banging my head to Atlas...


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"been here, been there... and in between..."


Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 26 2007 at 17:32
Welcome to the forums Hispanic friend. Smile
I wish they would go to Puerto Rico some day. It's hard to see bands live here, but I can still dream of it....
Originally posted by Proletariat Proletariat wrote:

listened to the EP C the other day, I dont think I liked it as much as mirrored. By the way when can I expect to see mathrock freed from being part of heavy prog.

I already presented the proposal to Max, now its a game of patience. These things take time (I've been talking about it in the mysterious Collab Section since August), but there are many people that are OK with the idea of a new genre so I have high hopes for it.



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Posted By: Dick Heath
Date Posted: November 28 2007 at 07:38
 Mirrored is my most played (non-jazz) album of the year (currently in th Discman) - the Battles' eps on order and the remix/DVD was received yesterday.

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The best eclectic music on the Web,8-11pm BST/GMT THURS.
CLICK ON: http://www.lborosu.org.uk/media/lcr/live.php - http://www.lborosu.org.uk/media/lcr/live.php
Host by PA's Dick Heath.



Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 28 2007 at 17:49
^^^ Tell me what you think of the EPs and Remix / DVD.  I'm planning on getting them by Christmas.



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Posted By: rushaholic
Date Posted: November 29 2007 at 16:37
Just picked up the EP C album a few hours ago.

Fantastic!

edit:

My mistake - it was the B EP, not EP C.


Posted By: A B Negative
Date Posted: December 04 2007 at 07:04
I listened to Mirrored the other day. I liked the African-influenced guitar on the first track but the rest didn't do much for me at all. I'll try to have a look at the videos to see if I change my mind.

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"The disgusting stink of a too-loud electric guitar.... Now, that's my idea of a good time."


Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: December 04 2007 at 07:41
^^^  The album won't give in so easily. I started liking the album after 2-3 months after I got it.



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Posted By: Dick Heath
Date Posted: December 04 2007 at 08:37
Originally posted by chamberry chamberry wrote:

^^^ Tell me what you think of the EPs and Remix / DVD.  I'm planning on getting them by Christmas.

 
I mentioned Battles to one of our media people who immediately said "signed to Warp Records in the UK, home of Aphex Twin". And the eps/CD would support the reasoning for the signing - this hybrid of real time sampling/turntablism/hard rock/ math rock etc. but perhaps more clinical and less immediacy than most of Mirrored, especially with the longer tracks on both eps. I got the remix because I wanted the DVDs of Atlas and Tonto  (as shown on You Tube). The remix I can live without  - taking a limited number of musical elements that make up a tune, sampling and repeat playing them here really makes the 3 remixes less than the original studio recorded mix, for me. However, the cost of the set is worth it for having the two DVDs. Took all my Battles  away with me this weekend and had them played on a 52" HD screen  with full works home cinema stereo, and (apart from edging the pictures close to pixilation) Atlas and Tonto are fantastic - Tonto edges it for me because of the images created. However, Atlas's music wins and this  had a few new fans after my weekend visit, with folks ordering Mirrored. My daughter decided to played Mirrored incredibly loudly on the car CD played coming back - Atlas getting repeat plays.


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The best eclectic music on the Web,8-11pm BST/GMT THURS.
CLICK ON: http://www.lborosu.org.uk/media/lcr/live.php - http://www.lborosu.org.uk/media/lcr/live.php
Host by PA's Dick Heath.



Posted By: zappaholic
Date Posted: December 04 2007 at 21:16
"Atlas" got wedged in my cranium so badly that I had to go and buy the album.
 
'Tis most enjoyable indeed.  Thumbs%20Up
 


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"Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want, and deserve to get it good and hard." -- H.L. Mencken


Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: December 04 2007 at 21:27
This album is fantastic.

However... I think it's been mis-genred... it sounds avant-prog enough for me for it to be in the RIO/Avant-Prog genre.  I can hear the Math Rock, but the Post Rock is almost non-existant.

Funny that Dick should mention Aphex Twin... I certainly hear some loose Aphex Twin sounds in there too.

So, for me, they remind of all the following:

King Crimson
Henry Cow
Massacre
The (ec) Nudes
Gunjogacrayon
Aphex Twin
Genesis (one track sounds like Gabriel singing)
Upsilon Acrux
Ahleuchatistas
Other Japavant bands

That's only after one listen.  Definitely a 5/5 for me.  It completely clicked for me.  Atlas and Tij almost had me dancing whilst sat down.  Wow!


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Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: December 05 2007 at 12:44
^ I've had Mirrored a couple of days now and I (sort of) agree with James's list (not sure of the Gabriel vocal though Confused), the influences are a lot less buried than they first appeared and I picked up some Four Tet and Phil Manzanera in there too - but so craftly done (yes craftly, not craftily) too make it a fine pleasure to listen too that gets more interesting with each listen. Gonna be one of my albums of the year for sure and I'd better put an order in for the remixes.

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What?


Posted By: Dick Heath
Date Posted: December 05 2007 at 12:56
Originally posted by Geck0 Geck0 wrote:

This album is fantastic.

However... I think it's been mis-genred... it sounds avant-prog enough for mem for it to be in the RIO/Avant-Prog genre.  I can hear the Math Rock, but the Post Rock is almost non-existant.

Funny that Dick should mention Aphex Twin... I certainly hear some loose Aphex Twin sounds in there too.

So, for me, they remind of all the following:

King Crimson
Henry Cow
Massacre
The (ec) Nudes
Gunjogacrayon
Aphex Twin
Genesis (one track sounds like Gabriel singing)
Upsilon Acrux
Ahleuchatistas
Other Japavant bands

That's only after one listen.  Definitely a 5/5 for me.  It completely clicked for me.  Atlas and Tij almost had me dancing whilst sat down.  Wow!
 
I think I heard Devo in there, plus the Munchkin vocals...
 
Got the Helmets' Best of album, from whom the drummer comes,and hard pressed to hear any direct connection. BTW I don't know Anthony Braxton's jazz - so does his son carry any of that into Battles?


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The best eclectic music on the Web,8-11pm BST/GMT THURS.
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: December 05 2007 at 15:52
Originally posted by darqdean darqdean wrote:

^ I've had Mirrored a couple of days now and I (sort of) agree with James's list (not sure of the Gabriel vocal though Confused), the influences are a lot less buried than they first appeared and I picked up some Four Tet and Phil Manzanera in there too - but so craftly done (yes craftly, not craftily) too make it a fine pleasure to listen too that gets more interesting with each listen. Gonna be one of my albums of the year for sure and I'd better put an order in for the remixes.


Only one track has a slight Gabriel/Collins'ism about it, but apart from that, there's no Genesis in there at all. Wink

Dick also makes a point about Devo.  I am only familiar with some of their UK-label releases though, which I gather differ from their American-label ones.

I don't know Four Tet, but I do have some Manzanera (Quiet Sun and his debut album Diamond Head) and I think I'll have to listen closer for those similarities.

I pretty much hear a lot of Fred Frith in there though.


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Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: December 05 2007 at 18:01
I'm thinking of changing my ratings to a fiver too...  I can't stop listening to them!

James, I agree that they do have some strong avant influences, but they don't strike me as an avant band (and for an math rock band they're very unique). Aside from those groups mentioned I can also point out to some krautrock and electronica as well. People tend to label them post-rock only because of the guitar style, but now more inventive.

Not trying to be possessive here, but I think they fit better in math rock.

Haven't heard Anthony nor Tyonday Braxton's solo works, but I'm definitely curious.



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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: December 05 2007 at 22:59
The problem I have is that not all Math Rock sounds like Post-Rock, which is where the problem lies with Battles.

You may need to incorporate a tagging system, to differentiate the two different genres.  Someone who likes Godspeed may hate Battles and vice-versa.

Be as possessive as you like, it's a healthy attitude to have. Wink

Oh and yes, I agree about the electronica.  I did mention Aphex Twin and I think you could add Daft Punk and Air to that list too.


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Posted By: Dick Heath
Date Posted: December 06 2007 at 07:28
Geck and everybody, I've just read the "guest review" at the head of the readers reviews at Amazon .UK, this is what is writ:
 
Amazon.co.uk
Battles may be signed to ultra-cool label Warp, and they may have caught the interest of the hipper-than-thou elements in the music press, but their full-length debut Mirrored is, quite simply, a prog-rock album. From the opening drums leading into the quick-time guitar picking of "Race:In", it’s clear that Oxford-based Battles have listened to a fair share of Yes albums in their time. And, like the best progressive rock, Mirrored is almost painfully clever, mixing complex electronic sounds in with their more traditional instrumentation, so just when you think they’re just another noodling jam-band, they go and get all weird. The result is a musical playfulness that’s too often missing in so much of the post-rock scene, and best exemplified on the cartoonish vocals of the rather funky "Atlas", or the frantic clap-along "Ddiamondd". Even their more serious-sounding songs are more fun than anything by Tortoise, Sigur Ros, Mogwai or their ilk--the epic "Tonto" sounds, at times, like two songs playing concurrently and occasionally meeting up for a boogie before eventually loping off into the sunset like its namesake. Most post-rock bands seem content for their audience to nod their heads and scratch their beards; Battles, meanwhile, are determined to make you smile. --Robert Burrow
 
Prog rock and Yes........................each to their own I suppose. Better by trying to bring many of the opinions offered: listen to the NEW rock music of Battles, but while  expecting  to hear any influences you like or no influences, expect to be taken to many new places aurally with their often whistle-along catchy tunes. Their music may not get you the first time, but the second or third play will probably have you. Will Mirrored be PA album of the year, or will this title go more retro prog.?


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The best eclectic music on the Web,8-11pm BST/GMT THURS.
CLICK ON: http://www.lborosu.org.uk/media/lcr/live.php - http://www.lborosu.org.uk/media/lcr/live.php
Host by PA's Dick Heath.



Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: December 06 2007 at 07:35
Oxford-based??? Confused

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What?


Posted By: Prog-jester
Date Posted: December 06 2007 at 07:39
http://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=154462 - you can kill me for this, but...


Posted By: Dick Heath
Date Posted: December 06 2007 at 08:31
Originally posted by Prog-jester Prog-jester wrote:

http://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=154462 - you can kill me for this, but...
 
 
NO, you can live!! WinkMakes more sense than the paid-for review at Amazon.


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The best eclectic music on the Web,8-11pm BST/GMT THURS.
CLICK ON: http://www.lborosu.org.uk/media/lcr/live.php - http://www.lborosu.org.uk/media/lcr/live.php
Host by PA's Dick Heath.



Posted By: Prog-jester
Date Posted: December 06 2007 at 08:47
*sighs at ease*


Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: December 06 2007 at 18:27
Originally posted by Dick Heath Dick Heath wrote:

Will Mirrored be PA album of the year, or will this title go more retro prog.?

Well, we'll need more than 3 or 4 collab aficionados for that, but I have my hopes up.Smile



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Posted By: fungusucantkill
Date Posted: December 06 2007 at 18:32
YES. finally. thats great. Interesting genre placement though. i dunno. But hoooooray they are here.

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Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: December 06 2007 at 18:41
^^^ They're actually in Post-Rock / Math Rock genre, but there are some technical difficulties in the name tag so it still reads Experimental / Post-Rock.



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Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: December 06 2007 at 19:13
Originally posted by Geck0 Geck0 wrote:

The problem I have is that not all Math Rock sounds like Post-Rock, which is where the problem lies with Battles.

You may need to incorporate a tagging system, to differentiate the two different genres.  Someone who likes Godspeed may hate Battles and vice-versa.


I agree. Not all math rock sounds like post-rock, but post-rock is the closest genre to math rock and since it had to be part of a genre here in PA I chose post-rock.

The tagging system sounds like a good idea, but I don't think it'll happen. I've heard of the idea months ago with other genres and I still haven't seen anything...



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Posted By: heyitsthatguy
Date Posted: December 06 2007 at 19:20
not all Eclectic sounds like other Eclectic either

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Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: December 06 2007 at 19:35
^^^^ True, but the difference between Math Rock and Post-Rock is more drastic than the ones at the Eclectic genre. (Tera Melos / Sigur Ros? Ermm)

I don't have any problem with it as it is since the genre is just starting, but I know that after a while it'll get more confusing so I'll have to take action then.



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Posted By: avestin
Date Posted: December 06 2007 at 21:33
Originally posted by Dick Heath Dick Heath wrote:

Will Mirrored be PA album of the year, or will this title go more retro prog.?
 
I like Battles' album (though not as much as Ruben and you) and it is on my top albums of this year (though not at first or even top 5). What I liked this year, while it also includes several retro-prog were more in the avant and metal domains.
However, as for creativeness and relative originality, Battles score high in my book. It's fin to listen to, energetic, rhythmic and addictive. But having heard dozens of 2007 releases so far, Battles has quite a competition in my private "race". Very productive and fruitful year.
Anyway, I highly recommend Mirrored to all PAers.
 
 


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Posted By: Prog-jester
Date Posted: December 07 2007 at 03:15
Originally posted by avestin avestin wrote:


However, as for creativeness and relative originality, Battles score high in my book.


that's why I was close to 4 stars...but it all ended with 3 just because I don't liked it THAT much.

Ruben, change your 4 to 5


Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: December 07 2007 at 13:28
Originally posted by avestin avestin wrote:

Originally posted by Dick Heath Dick Heath wrote:

Will Mirrored be PA album of the year, or will this title go more retro prog.?
 
I like Battles' album (though not as much as Ruben and you) and it is on my top albums of this year (though not at first or even top 5). What I liked this year, while it also includes several retro-prog were more in the avant and metal domains.
However, as for creativeness and relative originality, Battles score high in my book. It's fin to listen to, energetic, rhythmic and addictive. But having heard dozens of 2007 releases so far, Battles has quite a competition in my private "race". Very productive and fruitful year.
Anyway, I highly recommend Mirrored to all PAers.
 
 


Well Comicopera by Robert Wyatt wins for me. Wink

Let me guess... Grayceon and maybe... the new Aleuchatistas? Wink

As for Mirrored, I really like it.  I need to hear it again, mind you.  I do think they're suitable for Avant-prog, but I can see why they're in Experimental/Math Rock too.


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Posted By: enigma
Date Posted: December 07 2007 at 15:24
Originally posted by rushfan4 rushfan4 wrote:

Not really doing much for me so far.  I am hearing some Les Claypool-type vibes however. 


I'm hearing Claypool / Primus too, along with bits of King Crimson.
I only picked it up today and I think it will take a while before I can give an honest opinion.



Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: December 07 2007 at 16:39
Originally posted by Geck0 Geck0 wrote:

Originally posted by avestin avestin wrote:

Originally posted by Dick Heath Dick Heath wrote:

Will Mirrored be PA album of the year, or will this title go more retro prog.?
 
I like Battles' album (though not as much as Ruben and you) and it is on my top albums of this year (though not at first or even top 5). What I liked this year, while it also includes several retro-prog were more in the avant and metal domains.
However, as for creativeness and relative originality, Battles score high in my book. It's fin to listen to, energetic, rhythmic and addictive. But having heard dozens of 2007 releases so far, Battles has quite a competition in my private "race". Very productive and fruitful year.
Anyway, I highly recommend Mirrored to all PAers.
 
 


Well Comicopera by Robert Wyatt wins for me. Wink

Let me guess... Grayceon and maybe... the new Aleuchatistas? Wink

As for Mirrored, I really like it.  I need to hear it again, mind you.  I do think they're suitable for Avant-prog, but I can see why they're in Experimental/Math Rock too.

The new Ahleuchatistas is awesome!  I like it more than their 2005 album, but still nowhere near Battles...

Still need to listen to Wyatt's new album.



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Posted By: stonebeard
Date Posted: December 07 2007 at 16:45
I still need Mirrored. Who would have thought it wouldn't be at Best Buy?

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Posted By: Philéas
Date Posted: December 08 2007 at 15:14
For those who haven't really gotten into Mirrors, I recommend hearing the EPs too. They were a bit easier on the ear, in my opinion.


Posted By: aapatsos
Date Posted: December 10 2007 at 21:01
I don't really think I hear music in these two songs (the videos linked here by chamberry). I will give it another try, but it seems that I am the only one who does not (at least initially) appreciate this band Ermm



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