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. Magnet
    Oct 14, 2015
    90
    [A] consummate artistic triumph. [No. 125, p.56]
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  2. Paste Magazine
    Sep 15, 2015
    83
    However you decipher the 1s and 0s, the songs comprising La Di Da Di are timeless vestiges of sound, and by that virtue alone are going to be around for a long time.
  3. Boston Globe
    Sep 18, 2015
    80
    The players clearly thrill in wringing every possible sound out their instruments, making La Di Da Di one of the year’s most satisfying trips into the sonic unknown.
  5. DIY Magazine
    Sep 18, 2015
    80
    Without any voices swimming around the noise, the record does lack the variety that came before. Instead, this is a stubborn embracing of all the weird things that make up this unique trio.
  6. AllMusic
    Sep 18, 2015
    80
    As Battles evolve, they remain true to their unique mix of brains and brawn, and La Di Da Di just might be their most engaging music yet.
  7. musicOMH.com
    Sep 17, 2015
    80
    It’s a record that you have to take in as one complete whole. You’ll enjoy individual slices, but won’t be truly fulfilled unless you take a deep dive straight in and luxuriate in all its sonic weirdness and insane brilliance.
  8. The New York Times
    Sep 16, 2015
    80
    Battles thinks hard and kicks harder.
  9. Mojo
    Aug 26, 2015
    80
    This is easily Battles' best album to date, the one you've always hoped they would make. [Oct 2015, p.95]
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  10. Uncut
    Aug 26, 2015
    80
    This is an engaging piece of minimalist minimalism: Steve Reich with a battering ram. [Oct 2015, p.71]
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  11. Pitchfork
    Oct 2, 2015
    75
    At 50 minutes, it's maybe a bit too long: when you're working with coiled energy, you can't afford to lose momentum. That said, when they're in the zone, there's not much like it.
  12. Drowned In Sound
    Sep 22, 2015
    70
    On La Di Da Di Battles feel like they are, slowly, finding their way in the right direction.
  13. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Sep 21, 2015
    70
    Perhaps they still haven’t quite gotten there with La Di Da Di, but they’ve come somewhere close.
  14. Dusted Magazine
    Sep 17, 2015
    70
    Far from being an emperor’s new clothes situation, it simply feels like the band is settling into a sound built for endurance rather than excitement.
  15. Spin
    Sep 17, 2015
    70
    Unlike Mirrored or 2011’s underrated Gloss Drop, La Di Da Di is where Battles demonstrate their competence rather than their virtuosity; there’s never that moment of dominos falling to their death or the mutated instruments and real-time looping opening portals to parallel dimensions.
  16. The Quietus
    Sep 16, 2015
    70
    Their sound now possesses a withering, caustic wit instead of a joyous, ostentatious cackle, and the suspicion is that it's only the start of an enticing middle chapter. We'll see better still from them as they develop.
  17. PopMatters
    Sep 15, 2015
    70
    This is a confident record that focuses on beat and melody, while still allowing the group space to throw in other musical ideas.
  18. Alternative Press
    Sep 1, 2015
    70
    La Di Da Di urges you to dance and then challenges you to keep up with every bob, weave and time signature shift. [Oct 2015, p.98]
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  19. Consequence
    Sep 11, 2015
    67
    There are some growing pains to be heard.... When they shuffle enough elements around on La Di Da Di, it’s a thrilling experience to try to keep up with.

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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