Mirrored
by Battles
  • Record Label: Warp
  • Release Date: May 22, 2007
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 184 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 149 out of 184
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 184
  3. Negative: 19 out of 184

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  1. David
    Dec 5, 2008
    10
    One of the very best albums of 2007, this one needs several listens to yield its treasures. Hard to describe the sound, but it's truly great.
  2. TristanJ
    May 21, 2007
    10
    Takes you places you've never been before, then reminds you of where you've been with a different take on contemporary indie music that leaves you with nothing to do but re-evaluate everything you've listened to in the last five years. Wow...
  3. Vince
    Aug 14, 2007
    9
    A trip of an album...can't stop listenin to it
  4. EricC
    Aug 14, 2007
    10
    First time I listened through it and I had no idea what to think. I was wierded out and confused by the barage of beats, sounds, and distorted vocals. But than on another listen, something clicked. It all come together perfectly. This cd reeks of talent, and this being their debut, music fans need to get in to this band. I don't know much about math rock, but these guys seem ready to First time I listened through it and I had no idea what to think. I was wierded out and confused by the barage of beats, sounds, and distorted vocals. But than on another listen, something clicked. It all come together perfectly. This cd reeks of talent, and this being their debut, music fans need to get in to this band. I don't know much about math rock, but these guys seem ready to reach an Animal Collective level of popular experimental, or even surpass it. I just hope I get the chance to see them live.… Expand
  5. ChrisA.
    Dec 8, 2007
    10
    I was a fan of the record upon my first listen. It's a bit of a mind-f*ck, but also so incredibly (yet strangely) catchy. After seeing them live and realizing that they actually produce the majority of the sounds with actual instruments, it became even better. A highly impressive album that ranks at my #1 of 2007.
  6. JohannT
    May 20, 2007
    10
    Incredible. I used to be a huge fan of Tortoise, Mice Parade, and of all those bands that were labelled as "post-rock". I thought nothing new could show up gave it all up years ago (except for OOIOO). And then, this album showed up. Imaginative, creative, fun and virtuoso, stunningly precise but never boring, and magnified by Animal Collective-like vocals. Absolument parfait.
  7. onyx4
    Jul 12, 2007
    4
    regular, at moments good, the first time you heart it, but it gets old really fast. I can't stand this band now
  8. desert
    Aug 9, 2007
    0
    This record is as stupid as I am. Me the ugly duck. Saddest loser in The Netherlands.
  9. StevenH
    Mar 8, 2008
    9
    A must-listen.
  10. Jack
    Dec 2, 2007
    9
    Unique, different, confusing, brilliant. An essential album.
  11. MikeN
    Oct 5, 2007
    3
    I had high hopes for this album after reading reviews saying that they are reinventing music, etc. This is an extremely repetitive album. The band made one cool beat for each song, and played it over and over for 4, 5, or even 10 minutes, adding more and more instruments every few bars. The only thing that was remotely impressive was the drumming, but the Mars Volta pulls that style off I had high hopes for this album after reading reviews saying that they are reinventing music, etc. This is an extremely repetitive album. The band made one cool beat for each song, and played it over and over for 4, 5, or even 10 minutes, adding more and more instruments every few bars. The only thing that was remotely impressive was the drumming, but the Mars Volta pulls that style off 500X better. Overall a boring, repetitive, and at times annoying album.… Expand
  12. Tyler
    May 18, 2007
    10
    Album of the year thus far.
  13. alanl
    May 22, 2007
    10
    Mirrored has much to offer, instant classic tunes, complicated beats, bizarres harmonic progressions, wierd synths and much more. This band is the true Zappa/Patton's sequel. So far, the year's best!!!
  14. MattF
    May 23, 2007
    10
    Brilliant. Having got into music from Mali this year, this is like a full circle back to the West. Tracks like Tonto are straight out of africa. Best fun in ages.
  15. PeeStain
    May 25, 2007
    10
    This album makes me feel really weird. I cant stop laughing and my body cant relax. Might be complex and uniqe, I dont now. What I do know is that this is by far the most surprising album I got my hand on in a good while. Put headphones on and go for a jog, it mill fit just fine.
  16. BorisH
    May 31, 2007
    5
    Anyone that saw any reviews above that included the words 'rock' or 'pop' in it should disregard them immediately. Whatever this is it's certainly not my type of music. I forced myself to listen through the hole thing once; attempting to do it again would be veritable torture.
  17. DanW
    Jun 11, 2007
    10
    A very rewarding and amazing album for those who give it a chance. A standout album of 2007.
  18. SeanG
    Jun 10, 2007
    9
    This is a great rock record brimming with technical experimentation. You can dance to it as easily as you can throw on a pair of headphones & have your mind blown.
  19. GrantP
    Jun 3, 2007
    10
    Amazing band, such talent displayed In this album. It's almost hard to find something you don't like about It. Should we expect less from Warp Records? I think not.
  20. DM
    Jun 5, 2007
    4
    Original and eccentric sounding beats. Usually I like something like this. But I just can't into this album. I get nothing from this album.
  21. JordanK
    Jun 6, 2007
    10
    I don't give too many albums tens. I wasn't sure of this on first listen. But I kept coming back to the tracks I liked. Then I listened again. And again. And again. And again. Until I did about as much looping on my media player than they do in the album. I'm sure this album/genre/band is not for everyone, but there is a fantastic display of musicianship throughout. And I don't give too many albums tens. I wasn't sure of this on first listen. But I kept coming back to the tracks I liked. Then I listened again. And again. And again. And again. Until I did about as much looping on my media player than they do in the album. I'm sure this album/genre/band is not for everyone, but there is a fantastic display of musicianship throughout. And there is so much detail in the production, whether electronic, technical instrumentation, or musicality (tempo changes mostly, but also some dynamic attention). My only advice to the haters is listen more closely. I found my best listen was with noise-cancelling headphones.… Expand
  22. JaddyP
    Jun 7, 2007
    6
    An album of mix emotions and ideas. At time it really hits the mark with an eccentric approach to making beat based rock. Other times it is so far from being accessible that they shot themselves in the foot by pushing a good thing too far.. but I am not the be all and end all of music taste.. Give it a try!!
  23. JustinB
    Jun 8, 2007
    10
    It's extraordinary - playful, sinister, exciting and unusual. It obviously won't be everyone's thing but it's far more accessible than you'd think from some of the comments here. And I can't see the point of posting a review after admitting to only listening the record once.
  24. ToddW.
    Jul 11, 2007
    8
    Take some vintage Yes, throw in some Frank Zappa time signatures, channel Marc Bolan, add a dash of the Wizard of Oz, and finish it off with the Chipmunks and you pretty much have Battles' Mirrored. It's an, uh, interesting listen. If you can hang with the entire offering a couple of times through then it becomes apparent what the kudos are about. It really does sound like the Take some vintage Yes, throw in some Frank Zappa time signatures, channel Marc Bolan, add a dash of the Wizard of Oz, and finish it off with the Chipmunks and you pretty much have Battles' Mirrored. It's an, uh, interesting listen. If you can hang with the entire offering a couple of times through then it becomes apparent what the kudos are about. It really does sound like the future of rock music at times, so fresh and innovative are what these guys do. Props to them for at least trying something different than the cookie cutter 'music' saturating the Sewersream. But cutting through the cacophony can at times exasperate, but like a diamond in the rough, it shines brilliantly when the chaff is stripped away.… Expand
  25. oliverc.
    Jul 1, 2007
    9
    Tij and Atlas are some of the best songs i've heard this year. Amazing tracks, though the album as a whole isn't necessarily as good as it's parts.
  26. césarb.
    Jul 12, 2007
    10
    the best album of the year, the music of new millenium
  27. TimF
    Jul 14, 2007
    8
    I wouldn't call this math rock. Progressive rock maybe. It's not something you should listen to with any preconceived notions of what it should or shouldn't sound like. For that reason alone it's worth listening to because it's forward thinking and fresh. Atlas is definitely the stand out and you'd be surprised how badly it gets stuck in your head for such an I wouldn't call this math rock. Progressive rock maybe. It's not something you should listen to with any preconceived notions of what it should or shouldn't sound like. For that reason alone it's worth listening to because it's forward thinking and fresh. Atlas is definitely the stand out and you'd be surprised how badly it gets stuck in your head for such an experimental song. I wish some of the rhythm tracks had more driving impact to them; maybe more of a Helmet sounding guitar under the microprocessing. Still, it's one of my favorite CDs so far this year.… Expand
  28. ja
    Aug 17, 2007
    9
    What is with this album. It is strange and out there, yet totally accessible and listenable. Rarely has any sensible or even legible lyrics, and Its erratic pacing makes it hard to wrap your mind around, yet it never feels out of control or lacking in inspiration. I love it.
  29. Nick
    Aug 17, 2007
    7
    So tight I worry it's going to crack my skull.
  30. AshleyP.
    Aug 24, 2007
    8
    Music made by people that love to make music. While so many others are rehashing the same old tricks, these guys have translated their ideas and energy into sounds and rhythms without fear. This album conforms to nothing.
  31. SteveF.
    Sep 9, 2007
    8
    To Justin G - any time anyone "considers myself cutting edge" your opinion on just about anything is pretty much void. A little Tool, a little Radiohead, a little Pink Floyd - even a little Phish - and you've got a tight, imaginative, experimental near-masterpiece. The ability of the musicians is spectacular - the drumming is done with a three-piece (three-piece!), yet sounds at To Justin G - any time anyone "considers myself cutting edge" your opinion on just about anything is pretty much void. A little Tool, a little Radiohead, a little Pink Floyd - even a little Phish - and you've got a tight, imaginative, experimental near-masterpiece. The ability of the musicians is spectacular - the drumming is done with a three-piece (three-piece!), yet sounds at times as if there were ten or more. At times it's hard to distinguish between guitar and keyboard; the record toys with your ears and your mind, and almost blows them both away.… Expand
  32. LeoC
    Mar 3, 2008
    9
    My personal favourite of 2007.
  33. JohnP
    Aug 3, 2008
    10
    One of the freshest albums I've heard in a long time.
  34. DaveF.
    Mar 13, 2009
    8
    This music scares the shit out of me. It's like being in a love/hate relationship with a crazy genius lingerie wearing goddess with a casio keyboard on kryptonite.
  35. F.H.
    Nov 27, 2007
    9
    Certainly worth some listens. I'm listening to it now. The positive reviews seem more on target than the negative ones. But, we shall see how it stands up over time.
  36. MycleS.
    Dec 14, 2007
    9
    This album is fascinating and thrilling. a relentless romp! James m., if you don't like the genre, don't comment on the album. I don't comment on country albums. If you think grizzly bear is even close to this genre you're missing chromosomes.
  37. lk
    Dec 27, 2007
    9
    This Album is very distinguished, different and still so great. Easily the best record of 2007. I didn't give 10 because tracks like "bad trails" seem to me as "fillers".
  38. JamesM.
    Oct 23, 2007
    2
    I don't know why everyone raves about this album. Maybe its just because one person thought it was cool and new so everyone started liking it. I don't like this genre, but even inside this genre there are albums far better than this. (eg grizzly bears yellow house) This album will not be remember after this year.
  39. Ryan
    May 10, 2007
    10
    An instant classic. Definately will end up on many Top 10 best of lists for this year. An incredibly creative record that sounds like nothing you've ever heard. Highly reccommended!
  40. WetpaintPaint
    May 22, 2007
    10
    This is an album for people with ADHD. Its upbeat and excellent. I think it has strands of the future of rock.
  41. MarkusS
    May 23, 2007
    10
    No doubt: the best album so far this year. This band is incredible, has great ideas and rocks like no other band this year will do. This is rockmusic for this century and for the next 100 years. Stunning!!
  42. BrianW
    May 24, 2007
    9
    Crazy math rock that's actually better than the sum of its parts (no pun intended). I haven't heard rhythms or songs in general that are this hectic or busy before. Very original.
  43. NicolaB
    May 24, 2007
    10
    It's as groundbreaking as kraftwerk's autobahn, as playful as a Disneyland ride, as powerful as a ten ton hammer right in the face of those who said modern music was dead. All hail the new music. all hail battles.
  44. DavidC
    May 25, 2007
    10
    I'm a frequent visitor to the Metacritic website and have discovered many new favourite bands through reading the reviews posted here, but I've never been so enthused as to post a comment of my own. Until now. 'Mirrored' is the most breathtakingly original album I have heard since Manitoba's 'Up In Flames'. Every track on this incredible record has me I'm a frequent visitor to the Metacritic website and have discovered many new favourite bands through reading the reviews posted here, but I've never been so enthused as to post a comment of my own. Until now. 'Mirrored' is the most breathtakingly original album I have heard since Manitoba's 'Up In Flames'. Every track on this incredible record has me left me gasping in disbelief. To all the cynics who said music had nowhere left to go: I give you Battles!… Expand
  45. IsaacC
    May 25, 2007
    10
    The sort of album that may make Thom Yorke delay the release of the new Radiohead album. Make no mistake this really is one of the pivotal albums in music history.
  46. DAron
    May 26, 2007
    2
    Ever heard of Mindless self indulgence?????. Yup and they do it better.....
  47. JohnT
    May 27, 2007
    10
    Maybe the best album of 2007.
  48. BillH
    May 28, 2007
    0
    This is a joke, right? Please God? They're fu**ing with us aren't they? This is a Yes album. Repeat. This is a Yes album. Aaargh... what's going on? Just to be clear here: it's a piece a s**t. Got that? A complete piece of S**T!
  49. ChrisW
    May 29, 2007
    1
    This CD is way too computerized and over-layered with sound. There's a line that is drawn when you're experimenting with music and sounds... and this CD is not even close to the border... it's so far beyond listenable that it's annoying. I gave it a 1 based on the creativeness that they offer. If you were looking for the NEXT Sound to come about... this is NOT it.
  50. BillV
    May 29, 2007
    6
    A very interesting sounding and conceptual album, but I have no idea where to go from there! The lyrics seem too comical in tone, have little depth and tire quickly. This is album you listen to once and move on to something with some soul which can be acheived with math-rock. Bands like the Shipping News and Slint do it much better
  51. JosephM
    May 30, 2007
    4
    Totally average and derivative. I cannot understand why everybody is fawning all over this album. And don't get me wrong, I can appreciate the genre, it's just that this does nothing to push the genre forward. It is a very well produced, very boring album.
  52. AmitS
    Jun 19, 2007
    10
    Rating albums with numbers is fairly arbitary. The 10 does not mean it is perfect but is given to reward a special album. I doubt anyone can accurately describe what this sounds like: but playful, interesting, diverse are all words I could use. Quite simply it sounds like nothing heard before (many would refer to the Animal Collective at this point): and much like Marmite, you like or loathe it.
  53. gernick
    Jun 21, 2007
    5
    certainly not the worst thing i've heard this year but my god, what self indulgence. where are the songs? they picked a good name, hail from new york, do something un-mainstream so they must be good. NO, they aren't.
  54. MarcE.
    Jun 20, 2007
    1
    I'll be the first to admit my review may not be fair. The Battles music is far from my favorite genre. I am not even sure what "math rock" is, but I have heard a lot of electronic music that I find much more enjoyable. This I found unlistenable. This is not a review for fans of the genre, this is a warning for non-fans not to be too intrigued by the high ratings from reviewers that I'll be the first to admit my review may not be fair. The Battles music is far from my favorite genre. I am not even sure what "math rock" is, but I have heard a lot of electronic music that I find much more enjoyable. This I found unlistenable. This is not a review for fans of the genre, this is a warning for non-fans not to be too intrigued by the high ratings from reviewers that are jaded by the old and embrace anything new. Believe me I embrace a lot of new, but not these guys.… Expand
  55. PaulM
    Jun 22, 2007
    0
    Math Rock? How about Geek Rock.
  56. Scottb
    Jun 3, 2007
    0
    I really wanted to like this album, but it's so bad...
  57. AJ
    Jun 6, 2007
    10
    A masterpiece. Anyone who doesn't like this album is an idiot, pure and simple. Go listen to Incubus and leave the challenging records for those who can properly gauge them, please.
  58. DaanT
    Jun 6, 2007
    10
    Briljant band. New sounds and its really a unique style. Love the album. Hope the next album is just as good as this one.
  59. GrakG.
    Jul 12, 2007
    10
    This album totally lives up to the hype. It's a fantastic combination of electronica values and rock sounds. Battles are the Aphex Twin of Math Rock.
  60. HexumS
    Jul 18, 2007
    7
    Whoa. Dude. This is weirder than Primus.
  61. AlanK.
    Jul 18, 2007
    6
    I have to agree with another poster that this is one of the most overrated albums of the year. Maybe listeners are so desperate for something unusual they give accolades to anything that is (even if it isn't that good). Battles have a unique chemistry and aesthetic, and their ability to explore seems almost infinite. But their tremendous potential is only partially realized on I have to agree with another poster that this is one of the most overrated albums of the year. Maybe listeners are so desperate for something unusual they give accolades to anything that is (even if it isn't that good). Battles have a unique chemistry and aesthetic, and their ability to explore seems almost infinite. But their tremendous potential is only partially realized on Mirrored. They must learn to infuse more humanity and more direct emotional zeal into their intriguing structures before they can realize the truly great album Mirrored isn't.… Expand
  62. JohnJ
    Jul 27, 2007
    9
    I don't quite understand why so many peole are failing to understand this album. What's not to get? It's a powerful, well-done, up beat, post-rock album. It's easily accessible, yet innovative. If nothing else, it is one of the few fully self-realized albums of the twenty-first century. Few other albums blend aspects of rock and synth as well as Mirrored.
  63. GabeJ
    Jul 28, 2007
    2
    An unlistenable record with far more bleeps and bloops than good ideas. Stanier's immense talent is wasted thanks Ian Williams' "tricks," which are more tedious than even "American Don." Pretentious, boring, awful, and embarrassingly overrated. Rock fans steer clear; this isn't rock.
  64. seand
    Jul 29, 2007
    10
    this album is far from unemotional like most people complain of. tight musicianship and one of the most interesting and addictive albums i have heard in years
  65. JeffW
    Jul 31, 2007
    10
    Please forgive Battles for showing some respect to their audience- I know that's not what we're used to these days. Before you talk any more shit on this go see them perform this album live, and then go think about it.
  66. SeanW
    Aug 18, 2007
    0
    This album is terrible. I listened to it once and will not touch it again. This is not music. This is just noise.
  67. david20023
    Aug 2, 2007
    5
    Still having trouble distinguishing this from those twiddly prog rock bands we thought punk had slayed. Memories seem to be short, or I am insufferably old.
  68. JustinG
    Aug 3, 2007
    0
    Is this for real? It's sounds like my 2yr old nephew was playing around with my drum machine, keyboard, and guitar, and he threw in some fisher price toy beeps and he came up with this trash. I consider myself cutting edge, but this is def trying way too hard to be different. Common, this is just plain silly.
  69. MattB.
    Sep 12, 2007
    10
    Amazing, utterly complex yet oddly organic, like Black Dice playing math rock in a hippie commune in space...John Stanier is a machine, this record features some of the best drumming I've ever heard, complex and ridiculously tight. And there's some great inventive guitar playing on offer. and Sean W, your comment is utterly hilarious, open your mind sir! This album walks the Amazing, utterly complex yet oddly organic, like Black Dice playing math rock in a hippie commune in space...John Stanier is a machine, this record features some of the best drumming I've ever heard, complex and ridiculously tight. And there's some great inventive guitar playing on offer. and Sean W, your comment is utterly hilarious, open your mind sir! This album walks the line between experimentation and musicality brilliantly, and the album grows with repeat listens, I admired this band before, now I truly LOVE them.… Expand
  70. mattk
    Sep 17, 2007
    10
    i love this album, but Matt B how is this "organic". If anything the lack of "organic" sound is what I love about this album. This is a honed, mechanical album, and all the interlocking pieces that contribute to the complexity of this album make it all the more alien from traditional song writing. Yes, this is math rock, but it is something more at the same time. This is one of those rare i love this album, but Matt B how is this "organic". If anything the lack of "organic" sound is what I love about this album. This is a honed, mechanical album, and all the interlocking pieces that contribute to the complexity of this album make it all the more alien from traditional song writing. Yes, this is math rock, but it is something more at the same time. This is one of those rare super groups that actually delivered on their promise (remember how ldisappointing swan lake was last year?), and probably the best live show I have seen in years.… Expand
  71. JaredSilva
    Sep 18, 2007
    10
    One of the best musical experiences in a long time.
  72. luke
    Sep 25, 2007
    2
    I bought this album, listened to it, and thought it was boring. It's pretty uneventful. I think this album was created for the sake of the poster inside. Hardly any creativity. It does not go anywhere. Beware.
  73. JRatcliff
    Sep 27, 2007
    5
    Deeply ambivalent. At moments it seems to digress into the worst kind of atonal jazz riffs imaginable. This album makes a hell of a lot of noise, but not a lot of sense. Sure it's "new","fresh", and any other kind of overused advertising adjective you want to paste to this bandwagon, but is it "good"? I really don't know, I'm not that used to working this hard for pop music.
  74. G.
    Sep 4, 2007
    10
    I haven't beed this excited about a new band since Oceansize. It doesn't feel forced at all...completely natural. I secretly curse Stanier for playing the drum licks I've been hearing in my head for years, but have never heard anyone else play. Dammit! The vocal manipulations are a little off-putting at first until you understand that they are simply meant to be another I haven't beed this excited about a new band since Oceansize. It doesn't feel forced at all...completely natural. I secretly curse Stanier for playing the drum licks I've been hearing in my head for years, but have never heard anyone else play. Dammit! The vocal manipulations are a little off-putting at first until you understand that they are simply meant to be another instrument. Don Caballero was great in small bursts, but the repetitive guitar noodling got to me after awhile. Not so with Battles. In a world of carbon-copycats this is creativity and adventurousness defined. Zappa-philes rejoice! Note: Stop insulting one another and stick to the music.… Expand
  75. IanB.
    Jan 15, 2008
    9
    This is progressive people !
  76. MaxC.
    Jan 26, 2008
    9
    Groundbreaking; what George Orwell feared brought to great music.
  77. JyotirmayaD.
    Feb 17, 2008
    7
    When I first listened to "Mirrored" I enjoyed all the twists and turns and the way it all comes together... I enjoyed the latter half of the album more than the beginning... It's not for me, really, but I own it and will listen to it when I need to listen to something different than anything else. It's good.
  78. RoryP.
    Feb 27, 2008
    9
    I can't dance to it, I don't understand the lyrics and I never heard anything like it before. I don't know what it is, but Its f@*king good.
  79. AlanP
    Mar 9, 2008
    2
    The worst album I bought in 2007, complete toss.
  80. J.K.
    Nov 18, 2007
    8
    Considering how complex, technical and filled with references and influences this is, Mirrored remains surprisingly up tempo and optimistic. Also considering how unrestrained this all feels, it never crosses into the realm of pretension which also comes as a pleasant surprise. The sound is quite unique, but I'd say it feels like some wacky explosion of krautrock and prog more than Considering how complex, technical and filled with references and influences this is, Mirrored remains surprisingly up tempo and optimistic. Also considering how unrestrained this all feels, it never crosses into the realm of pretension which also comes as a pleasant surprise. The sound is quite unique, but I'd say it feels like some wacky explosion of krautrock and prog more than anything else while it keeps in touch with more modern post-rock aesthetics.… Expand
  81. JeremyB.
    Nov 28, 2007
    10
    Hm. This is the best thing I've heard all year. Album of the year by far. At this point, I really don't care what these critics say. Stars of the Lid and The Field better than Radiohead? I think not.
  82. GCB
    Dec 2, 2007
    2
    Jesus wept.
  83. PatrickTM
    May 13, 2007
    10
    WoW; what a stunner. this is the "Drum's Not Dead" of 2007!
  84. ErikH
    May 15, 2007
    10
    I cannot possibly foresee anything overtaking this as the best album of 2007. Simply stunning!
  85. Hasi
    May 15, 2007
    10
    one of my favourite new albums just based on 'race in' and 'tij' alone. great on tape and even better live.
  86. rasg
    May 17, 2007
    10
    Amazing
  87. ThomG
    May 21, 2007
    0
    It is pretty much flawless, expressing the type of music any computer could create. Too bad there isn't any soul in the album. Don't be expecting any life to jump from the plastic of this compact.
  88. DanS
    May 21, 2007
    10
    This album exceeded my expectations. I loved Battles' EPs, but Mirrored eclipses all of their previous work. One of my favorite albums of the year.
  89. AaronS.
    May 22, 2007
    10
    This is a fantastic record-one of the year's very best. Playful, eccentric and always unique. It's most definitely not everyone's cup of tea, but if you have adventurous taste in music, you may dig this.
  90. EricM
    May 22, 2007
    10
    Math rock at its best....and I've heard plenty in the genre. Fans of Polvo esp. need to check his one out! The best "rock" album since "Interpol" Turn the lights..."
  91. johnr
    May 22, 2007
    0
    just a bunch of worthless noise, cold and calculated math rock, and the novelty wears off after the first listen when you begin longing for some real heart in the music.
  92. TylerD
    May 23, 2007
    10
    Brilliantly-written instrumental music. The back-up vocals work phenomenally here. One of my favourite albums so far this year.
  93. CFlora
    May 24, 2007
    7
    I find this music to be pretty cool. The instrumentation is precise and I love the abrupt turns of phrase and it's all nice and good but I never really end up feeling anything while listening to these ambling tracks. Even when Battles make attempts at expressing exuberance and playfullness it comes off as calculated. It hit me after about 5 listens that this reminds me the most of I find this music to be pretty cool. The instrumentation is precise and I love the abrupt turns of phrase and it's all nice and good but I never really end up feeling anything while listening to these ambling tracks. Even when Battles make attempts at expressing exuberance and playfullness it comes off as calculated. It hit me after about 5 listens that this reminds me the most of Autechre, especially the last release Untilted that has similarly abrupt turns of phrase, precise and calculated instrumentation and a similar blind eye to anything resembling emotion (perfect example: Ipacial Section). Now I know what all those people meant when they said Autechre is making future music. Just put a massive drum kit in front of capable musicians and get them to cover Autechre and Mirrored is the product. Now everyone can pretend it's brand new and exciting because it's people smacking drums with sticks and wailing on guitars.… Expand
  94. AndrewT
    May 24, 2007
    10
    Just an awesome, awesome album....
  95. SimonO
    May 24, 2007
    9
    Clear development from their excellent EPs. Very strong!
  96. DylanS
    May 27, 2007
    9
    Damn fun CD, promotes multiple listens, and trust me -- you'll love it every time.
  97. renatar
    May 29, 2007
    10
    of course youre not going to find any life coming out of this cd...If you are waiting to listen to van halen!!!!! man! This is great and I think the rest of the reviews agree with me, these tunes are magic, simply. the best record of the year so far. Specially for Patton Fans!
  98. TylerM
    Jun 13, 2007
    10
    My friends don't "get" it. But I do, and I love it!
  99. JoshG
    Jun 22, 2007
    10
    This album is very unique. It really does achieve a different sound that is really NOT derivative of anything i've really heard. I had to listen to it twice to really let it sink in, but once i did it it me hard. For the people who aren't getting it or liking it id recommend listening to it again, with headphones.. Also whoever said it was a Yes album in a negative con notion, This album is very unique. It really does achieve a different sound that is really NOT derivative of anything i've really heard. I had to listen to it twice to really let it sink in, but once i did it it me hard. For the people who aren't getting it or liking it id recommend listening to it again, with headphones.. Also whoever said it was a Yes album in a negative con notion, your a moron. Even if it were like a yes album it would be because it achieves unique vision and musical perfection. Some of the most unique music iv'e heard in a long time, that also happens to be some of the best.… Expand
  100. Leo
    Jul 15, 2007
    4
    I liked Don Caballero, but this has to be the front-runner for the most overrated album of the year (the Fiery Furnaces haven't released anything yet...). It isn't terrible, but it's not far off.
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Best Album of 2007
23
#23 Most Discussed Album of 2007
43
#43 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Alternative Press
    90
    At times, the effect is akin to hearing Tortoise and Animal Collective covering the Steve Reich and Devo catalogs in tandem; but such reference points barely do justice to an album that just halfway through 2007, is already topping the year's best-of list in multiple genres. [Jun 2007, p.151]
  2. Observer Music Monthly
    70
    Battles combine the power of hard rock with an experimental aesthetic.
    Read full review
  3. Urb
    90
    Every song on the 52-minute masterpiece builds and bridges until everything self-destructs and the only thing left to do is dance. [May 2007, p.92]
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