-
9.0
26849
9.0 |
Spin
Numan's harried, yelping cameo on "My Machines" is a triumphant moment, an experimental outburst both ingenious and accessible
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9.0
27715
9.0 |
Entertainment.ie
Battles excel instrumentally, the finest moments of Gloss Drop coming at the points where their aspirations are given the room to expand and contract
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9.0
27767
9.0 |
Clash
Sublime
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9.0
27824
9.0 |
DIY
A frenetic, kinetic, unsympathetic behemoth of an album
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9.0
28604
9.0 |
AU Review
Rousing and beautifully resolved
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8.2
27953
8.2 |
Beats Per Minute
May be a less solid and coherent album than Mirrored, but it is still a remarkably promising follow-up
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8.0
27977
8.0 |
The Quietus
They join the rank of charmed bands that have lost a key member then recorded a superior album
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8.0
28378
8.0 |
Slant Magazine
Reliably musters more groove than most hip-hop artists and more satisfying rhythms than most techno acts
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8.0
27948
8.0 |
God Is In The TV
All the songs are driven by a fundamental beat and sound that is fast but tight, bright yet acute
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8.0
27712
8.0 |
The Fly
Filled with the kind of extraordinary eclecticism that marks Battles out as jacks of all trades and masters of them too
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8.0
27735
8.0 |
Evening Standard
A clattering, mostly instrumental rollercoaster, packed with madcap ideas, steel drums, fearsome riffs and, crucially, an undertow of joyous exuberance
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8.0
27775
8.0 |
The Observer
While the new album doesn't quite pack the punch of Mirrored, it has a greater sense of fun and some dazzling moments
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8.0
27778
8.0 |
Independent on Sunday
If, in the past, Battles' glitchy, math-rocky cut-up style has erred a little on the dry, joyless side, then Gloss Drop is something else
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8.0
27781
8.0 |
PopMatters
An impressive record
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8.0
27677
8.0 |
The Irish Times
At the heart of the album’s success is Battles’ ability to translate their ideas from esoteric blueprints into challenging yet accessible end products
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8.0
26850
8.0 |
Rave Magazine
Listening to Battles is like being a prehistoric human confronted by an alien monolith; words are hard to find
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-
8.0
27038
8.0 |
Mojo
A breathlessly entertaining record. Print edition only
-
8.0
27060
8.0 |
Uncut
Gary Numan's turn on the stern "My Machines" is an album highlight. Print edition only
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8.0
27103
8.0 |
The Skinny
Above and beyond its considerable technical accomplishment, it's Gloss Drop's sense of playful optimism that augurs most auspiciously for this band's future
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-
8.0
27597
8.0 |
NME
A more disjointed listen than 'Mirrored' but its peaks are equally high. Print edition only
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8.0
29749
8.0 |
A.V. Club
As another demonstration of just what can be achieved by a few guys with a plethora of musical gadgetry at their disposal, this is a pretty solid effort
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-
7.5
27832
7.5 |
A.V. Club
Arguably more perseverant triumph than massively accomplished successor
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7.5
29344
7.5 |
Pretty Much Amazing
Gloss Drop is a complex, dense and ambitious album. But it’s also an extremely fun album
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7.4
27853
7.4 |
Pitchfork
Will still be best enjoyed by groove heads, whether they come from the rock or dance worlds
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7.0
28461
7.0 |
The Line Of Best Fit
As long as the band is willing to take chances and seek out new and interesting musical challenges, along with displaying the inventive, innovative sound that garnered them our acclaim and attention in the first place, we’re bound to keep listening if only just to hear what they come up with next
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7.0
27520
7.0 |
Bowlegs
Despite reservations, Battles have stepped-up to the plate with an album that takes the complex formulae of ‘Mirrored’ down fascinating new paths
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7.0
27668
7.0 |
musicOMH
Ultimately, there's been no big step forward in Battles music, other than the slight softening around the edges suggested by the likes of Ice Cream or Sweetie Shag
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7.0
27732
7.0 |
Consequence Of Sound
An interesting sophomore release from a band that left itself room for plenty of future growth
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7.0
41060
7.0 |
hhv.de mag
Sometimes, the versions stick close to the already great originals; sometimes, though, they’re inspiring new interpretations
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-
6.0
27693
6.0 |
The Guardian
An album that ultimately impresses more than it charms
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6.0
27700
6.0 |
State
The ambition to create interesting sounds is there, but it’s asking too much to demand that listeners bear with meandering noise in the name of sonic progress
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6.0
27608
6.0 |
Drowned In Sound
For all of its playful adventurousness, this latest offering has a fuzzy haired, silhouette-shaped gap that four guest vocalist slots are only partially able to fill
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6.0
27142
6.0 |
BBC
This band is missing a vital organ. Sadly, it would appear to be the heart
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6.0
27043
6.0 |
Q
It delivers a more direct hit than its predecessor. Print edition only
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6.0
27790
6.0 |
Under The Radar
A mild accomplishment
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5.0
28406
5.0 |
Tiny Mix Tapes
Gloss Drop just sounds confused, and its structures don't challenge or excite
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4.0
27685
4.0 |
The Independent
These New York math-rockers have yet to learn the values of de- cluttering
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