Search - Battles :: Ep C

Incredibly Smart

regularitymonster | 06/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Battles blends the genius of guitarist/keyboardist/samplist Ian Williams (Don Caballero, Storm & Stress), drummer John Stanier (Helmet, Tomahawk), guitarist Dave Konopka (Lynx) and Boston-based avant garde composer Tyondai Braxton (ironically the younger brother of pop/r&b singer Toni Braxton). Attempting to draw comparisons to other bands or even genres is pointless and quite frankly unnecessary, because EP C is a truly unique sounding album. The only other music that competes with Battles' abstractly intelligent musicianship and songwriting is Storm & Stress and the later-era Don Cab, both brainchilds of Ian Williams. Which says a lot about where EP C is coming from. But the four individual talents of the members of Battles, when confronted, tread sonic territory that Williams' former efforts have not. The songs add layer upon seamless layer of intricate guitar and keyboard lines (often heavily sampled), fractured rhythms, electronic noises, and sparsely-placed vocal samples, all held together with the tenacious and incredibly tight drumming of Stanier. The production of the album is nearly perfect.If any point is to be made at all with this review, its that words and descriptions don't really do it justice, you just have to hear it for yourself. Everything about it is just mesmerizing."

Good and Interesting

J. C. Bare | Seattle, WA USA | 12/28/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This short CD is what happens when 3 very talented musicians spend a day screwing around in the studio. You get some flashes of brilliance and a lot of experimenting. All of the album is interesting except the last 3 minutes or so of the last track which is utterly pointless. The first track is great stuff and reminds me of prime Don Caballero. Over-all: good stuff and well worth a listen or two, but not something that lasts."

Groovy but cerebral voiceless experimental rock gift

IRate | 03/03/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Good starting point in a pretty weak discography seems to be the briefly recorded band's most solid, articulate outing in their weird, playfully menacing style. Players are in high form here, keeping the compelling repetition informed and brisk for anyone interested in the opposite side of your typical jam band. Here the esteemed math-rock compatriots get to flex their considerable self-conscious chops, ushering in the band's renewed interest in the faltering genre. Hopefully these impressive, though essentially glorified, compositional outings will continue to refine and focus both band and fans alike as the obligatory LP hopefully looms around the corner."