There were worries among Battles fans that the departure of front man Tyondai Braxton would negatively affect the group’s dynamic approach to making music. The good news is that ‘Gloss Drop’ throws that notion completely out of the water, with music of stunning power and rhythmic vitality. This time Battles take their inspiration more directly from funky hooks and West Indian rhythms, with evidence of soca and calypso in several of the brightly coloured tracks here. Rather than employ a full time vocalist they draw on guest turns, with Matias Aguayo excelling in the wonderful ‘Ice Cream’, and Gary Numan bringing a metallic edge to the more derivative funk of ”. Battles are at their best, mind, when the instrumental tracks kick up the dust, with some prodigious drumming and ferocious musical energy making this a real high ride. An impressively vital piece of work.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Ben Hogwood
