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Gloss Drop
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Gloss Drop Image
Metascore
79

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

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 38 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.
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  • 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 »

Top Track

My Machines
Listen to The sound of my life My machines Sing songs for you to live for Welcome to The sound of now Come inside And be all you've dreamed... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. Expert Witness (MSN Music)
    Jun 7, 2011
    91
    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. Spin
    Jun 3, 2011
    90
    Braxton's clever, found-sound loops are missed, but the remaining members' rampant ideas and inexorable groove keep Battles engrossing.
  3. Beats Per Minute
    Jun 10, 2011
    82
    Gloss Drop may be a less solid and coherent album than Mirrored, but it is still a remarkably promising follow-up. As always, the music is cerebral, engaging, technically stupefying, and utterly original.
  4. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jun 3, 2011
    80
    Gloss Drop is powered by a tireless, ingenious sense of play. Admittedly, it is sometimes the sort of playfulness displayed by quantum physicists and pure mathematicians. But hey, get the numbers right and everything else just slots into place.
  5. AllMusic
    Jun 6, 2011
    80
    Gloss Drop may be more accomplished than the band's debut; even if it's not quite as much of a powerhouse as Mirrored was, it shows that the trio version of Battles is lean, creative, and surprisingly adaptable.
  6. Paste Magazine
    Jun 6, 2011
    74
    The record stands as a solid collection from a trio of exceptionally talented individuals.
  7. The Independent (UK)
    Jun 3, 2011
    40
    Clearly, these New York math-rockers have yet to learn the values of de- cluttering, with most of these dozen pieces involving furious industry to no great advantage.
    All this publication's reviews

See all 37 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Butsku
    Jun 8, 2011
    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.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. BENNEB
    May 11, 2013
    10
    Despite the loss of their frontman, Battles still maintain that hyper math/experimental rock they had in their previous LP Mirrored. And thisDespite 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
  4. MusiclyMade
    Jul 8, 2011
    9
    Itâ
  5. MorriBey
    Aug 30, 2011
    9
    Excellent album. Took me a couple of gos to really get into it. Best to try the track Ice Cream (featuring Matias Aguayo ) to get a feelingExcellent album. Took me a couple of gos to really get into it. Best to try the track Ice Cream (featuring Matias Aguayo ) to get a feeling for what is in store. Its a grower and joins my list for 2011 along with destroyer, antlers and wild beasts. Go for it. You will enjoy it. Play it loud !… Expand
  6. Calciferus
    May 18, 2012
    9
    While the album lack vocals, it's reinforced with plenty tweaked guitar strums, rad bass lines and constant beat. The tracks that really standWhile the album lack vocals, it's reinforced with plenty tweaked guitar strums, rad bass lines and constant beat. The tracks that really stand out for me is Futura and Ice Cream.… Expand
  7. Ricko
    Mar 21, 2012
    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 easiestThese 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
  8. hydrawithears
    Oct 3, 2011
    6
    Donâ

See all 10 User Reviews

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