La Di Da Di
by Battles
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: Sep 18, 2015
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
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  1. NOW Magazine
    Sep 30, 2015
    60
    The album would feel more complete if they’d included at least one nod to the warped pop music that made them famous.
  2. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 21, 2015
    60
    For every urgent tune like the cinematic Non-Violence (whose bass jabs are pretty muscular), there are inspired variations, like the dreamy calm of Cacio e Pepe or the bejewelled hamminess of Megatouch.
  3. Record Collector
    Sep 11, 2015
    60
    La Di Da Di comes across a tad too studied, never lifting out of the complex math of the group’s music.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 10, 2015
    60
    Third album La Di Da Di is comprised of 12 entirely instrumental tracks that feel less like stand-alone songs and more like strange sonic experiments cooked up in a lab.
  6. The 405
    Sep 9, 2015
    60
    In terms of the surface tones and textures, the tracks in question are interesting enough--pretty, even. The underlying structures that govern these tones and textures, however, don't allow for anything approaching the band's typical intensity.
  7. The Wire
    Sep 1, 2015
    60
    On occasion, stupidly fun. [Sep 2015, p.44]
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  8. Under The Radar
    Aug 26, 2015
    60
    The beguiling and unique pop element he [Tyondai Braxton] brought to the table left with him, and Battles haven't quite figured out how to replace it. La Di Da Di is an energetic step in the right direction. [Aug-Sep 2015, p.61]
  9. Q Magazine
    Aug 26, 2015
    60
    It's perhaps not a career peak but it's not too far away. [Oct 2015, p.102]
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  10. Resident Advisor
    Sep 21, 2015
    58
    It's something more functional, familiar and safe.
  11. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 14, 2015
    55
    La Di Da Di however limits the potential for “free-thinking” with a series of stagnant, self-conscious ideas and motifs. Unfortunately, Battles have not mastered the art of repetition on La Di Da Di.
  12. No Ripcord
    Oct 13, 2015
    50
    La Di Da Di is full of very cool timbres and some incredible drumming, but its arrangements leave a lot to be desired.
  13. Clash Music
    Oct 2, 2015
    50
    Like the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz, La Di Da Di too often feels like a soulless automaton tearing around on autopilot. If only it had a heart.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 24 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 24
  3. Negative: 2 out of 24
  1. Equalizinator
    Sep 25, 2015
    9
    One of my favorite albums this year. Loops examined in the fullest. Clean recording and full of new things to hear with each listen.One of my favorite albums this year. Loops examined in the fullest. Clean recording and full of new things to hear with each listen. Definitely should check it out… Full Review »
  2. Geomcevan
    Sep 21, 2015
    10
    As a fan of the early EP's and Mirrored, this is exactly what I'd been hoping to hear from battles. The lack of a vocalist has allowed BattlesAs a fan of the early EP's and Mirrored, this is exactly what I'd been hoping to hear from battles. The lack of a vocalist has allowed Battles to fully explore their potential and find a way to come back from trying times.… Full Review »
  3. GeeMan81
    Sep 20, 2015
    8
    As skittish, fascinating and unique as ever, Battles have created their least accessible album yet, but one still rife with brilliance and creativity.
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