MIRRORED

BATTLES play up-lifting "happy" music, which some regard as "Dance Prog". Very true, judging from their sound! They mix altogether Math-Rock, Avant-Rock, Electronica, Prog-Rock and the result is breath-taking. This is a case when I'd rather say "chack their videos on PA and their music on MySpace!" instead of finding analogues to their stuff. The first one I can think of is TUNA LAGUNA, but BATTLES are far more uneven and unconventional (which is good and bad at the same time). To be short, take 80s KING CRIMSON and make them being influenced with today's music instead of 80s crap :)

I usually begin my reviews with "preambula" like this one, than get down to music, noting the related bands, with few words about album's important details and then I finish with recommendations or some kind of "fabula". BATTLES are unique, so I made my review somewhat unusual too. I begin with main part, than presented you an intro. Now it's time for conclusion.

I'd happily give them 5 stars, even though I'd feel myself forced and under some kind of pressure. But I disliked some moments there (some bits are too long, dragging on without any slight sign of progression or evolution, etc), so it should be 4 stars. Nope again. I've made an experiment latest month, giving this album to my fellow Proggers, from beardy fanatics who despise any note played after 1979 to freaky kids who adore anything from 21th century that sounds unusual and avant. I recieved TOO POLAR RESPONSES to state that this album can be recommended to "any prog music collector". Besides my own enjoyment lasted not much long, and I've become sober enough to see some major flaws in BATTLES that maybe can be seen only by ME, because this is MY REVIEW and MY OPNION. Hope I made myself clear))) Recommended nevertheless - I'll take a risk on my shoulders!