The NYC-based Battles have an incredible experimental sound. Their debut album, "Mirrors", is both a catchy listen and one that requires deeper analysis.

As a band, Battles has been active since 2003 making singles and playing small venues. In 2006, they signed on to Warp Records and released EP C/B EP, which is a collection of three EPs they released in 2004. In 2007, they produced and released their first full-length album, Mirrored. The album is a significant divergence from their previous releases primarily due to the band's newfound accessibility. While the music is still weird and creative, it is significantly easier to listen to.

Mirrored Alters Battles' Playing Style

The two most defining changes Battles makes to their music approach on Mirrored are the inclusion of vocalization and a focus on song progression. Their songs have started to feel like actual songs, rather than collected loops of keyboards and drums. Ironically, this should turn the album into everything a math-rock fan might hate: something catchy and accessible. But while it may be catchy, it still carries a large amount of depth and requires more than one listen for it to be enjoyed to the fullest.

The obligatory singles are there, of course. “Atlas”, Mirrored's first single, clocks in at seven minutes and is laden with synthesized yelps and offbeat drumming. Despite these strange characteristics, it still manages to be a traditional hook-filled song, especially in its 4 ½-minute radio edit.

The second single, “Tonto”, is more representative of Battles' constantly changing style. The song starts off with soft bells, builds, and then erupts into several different variations on the melody and drumbeat. This trademark style is also prevalent in songs like the industrially gleeful “Rainbow” and the showy penultimate track “Tij”.

There are still variations on song structure and style, but largely, Battles has found a structure that works and they stick to it throughout the album.

Braxton and Band Make Unique Noise

Despite their musical changes, Battles retains a strange and unique sound that will entice most listeners. The band has roots in math and progressive rock, but they are also highly experimental in nature.

More often than not, the vocalizations provided by Tyondai Braxton—son of jazz musician/philosopher Anthony Braxton—are heavily distorted cries or chants that are reminiscent of bands such as Animal Collective. This is backed by almost free-form drumming, where time signatures seem to change at the whim of drummer John Stanier (formerly the drummer of Helmet).

There are a fair amount of looped melodies in the album, but instead of leaving it at that, the band expands on their rhythms and seemingly attempts to fit as much into a song as possible. This both helps and hinders Mirrored.

Some tracks may seem too full at parts, which might deter a listener, but as one continues to listen to the album, they will gradually pick apart and comprehend the songs. Mirrored is a deep and layered listening experience, but it is at the same time easy to listen to if one has an open mind and a love for math-rock.

8.75/10—Mirrored stands in stark contrast to most progressive rock albums; it is catchy, accessible, and welcomes a listener. This being said, it is excellently put together, quirky, and will merit plenty of airtime on one's speakers.

Mirrored is available through Warp Records. Find Battles on Myspace.