Gloss Drop - Battles
  • Band Name: Battles
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: Jun 7, 2011
Gloss Drop Image
Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 25 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length album for the New York rock band features Matias Aguayo, Gary Numan, Kazu Makino, and Yamantaka Eye as guest musicians.
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock, Indie Rock, Post-Rock, Experimental Rock, Math Rock, Neo-Prog, Prog-Rock
  • More Details and Credits »
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 37
  2. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. So much better than a Ferrari that never needs a tune-up, muse I. In the studio they're less accident prone, and they still tintinnabulate some. But now they also grunt.
  2. Jul 22, 2011
    80
    Like those early EPs, Gloss Drop relies more heavily on complex rhythms and wonky melodies to get its point across.
  3. Aug 12, 2011
    80
    The disc's closing one-two punch of "white Electric" and "Sundome," render Glass Drop a triumph, and a major evolutionary leap. [July 2011, p.44]
  4. Jun 21, 2011
    60
    Radical tech rockers' microshift to the center ground. [July 2011, p. 100]

See all 37 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. 10
    I've been waiting to hear this record for years. Mirrored is my favourite album of the 00s and Gloss Drop seems to raise the bar even further. After several listens I can safely say that this will be the record of the year, no matter what is released in the other 6 months of 2011. This is how the future of music sounds and it sounds damn good. Expand
  2. 10
    Despite the loss of their frontman, Battles still maintain that hyper math/experimental rock they had in their previous LP Mirrored. And this time, they've put out a more dance-rock like outfit with guest vocalist coming it. It's technically making a friendly, easy-to-listen yet complex album. I can't stop dancing! Must listen. Expand
  3. 8
    These guys do some serious experimenting with their guitars. Some of it works and overall the album has it's merits but it's not the easiest of listens. Not too many songs with vocals and there are very few songs you'll like instantly. It's not for everyone but if you like instrumental guitar bands with a bit of quirkiness then it's worth getting into. Just about gets an 8. Expand
  4. Donâ

See all 10 User Reviews

Related Articles

  1. Summer Music Preview: 25 Key Upcoming Albums

    Summer Music Preview: 25 Key Upcoming Albums Image
    Published: May 10, 2011
    We've selected 25 of the biggest albums arriving between now and September, including new discs from Death Cab for Cutie, Lady Gaga, My Morning Jacket, Lil Wayne, Jane's Addiction, and more. Plus, listen to full tracks from each album.