Battles
Biography
In the sprawling landscape of experimental rock, few bands have managed to be as simultaneously cerebral and visceral as Battles, the New York-based quartet that turned mathematical precision into an art form and made complexity sound effortless. Born from the ashes of various underground projects in 2002, Battles emerged as a supergroup of sorts, bringing together four musicians whose collective résumé read like a who's who of the experimental music scene.
The band's genesis can be traced to guitarist Ian Williams, fresh from his tenure with the legendary math-rock outfit Don Caballero, and drummer John Stanier, who had spent years pummeling skins for the sludge-metal pioneers Helmet. These two rhythm section veterans were joined by guitarist/bassist Dave Konopka and the enigmatic Tyondai Braxton, son of avant-garde composer Anthony Braxton, who brought his otherworldly vocals and electronic wizardry to the mix. Together, they created something that defied easy categorization – part prog-rock, part electronic music, part mathematical theorem set to a backbeat.
From their earliest recordings, Battles displayed an almost obsessive attention to rhythmic complexity and sonic texture. Their 2004 EP "B" and the subsequent "EP C" showcased a band that treated rock music like a laboratory experiment, deconstructing familiar elements and reassembling them into something entirely alien yet undeniably compelling. The group's approach was methodical and meticulous, with each member contributing layers of intricately interlocking parts that somehow coalesced into cohesive, if challenging, compositions.
The breakthrough came with 2007's "Mirrored," an album that managed to be both critically acclaimed and surprisingly accessible. The record's opening track, "Race: In," became something of an underground anthem, its hypnotic loops and Braxton's processed vocals creating a sound that was simultaneously futuristic and primal. But it was "Atlas" that truly captured the zeitgeist, its infectious groove and memorable video – featuring the band performing in a room filled with multicolored light bulbs – earning heavy rotation on MTV2 and introducing Battles to a broader audience. The album's success proved that there was indeed an appetite for music that challenged conventional song structures while still maintaining an undeniable sense of groove.
"Mirrored" established Battles as leaders of a new wave of experimental rock, influencing countless bands to embrace complexity without sacrificing accessibility. Their live performances became legendary affairs, with the four musicians surrounded by an arsenal of electronic equipment, creating a wall of sound that was both overwhelming and precisely controlled. The visual element was equally important, with the band's performances resembling some kind of futuristic laboratory experiment as much as a rock concert.
However, success brought its own challenges. In 2010, Tyondai Braxton departed to pursue solo projects, leaving many to wonder if Battles could survive without his distinctive vocal contributions. The remaining trio proved remarkably resilient, reinventing themselves as an instrumental outfit with 2011's "Gloss Drop." The album featured collaborations with artists like Gary Numan and Yamantaka // Sonic Titan, demonstrating the band's ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining their core identity.
The transformation continued with 2015's "La Di Da Di," which saw the band further refining their post-Braxton sound, incorporating elements of electronic dance music and world music influences. Throughout these changes, Williams, Stanier, and Konopka maintained their commitment to rhythmic complexity and sonic experimentation, proving that Battles was more than just the sum of its parts.
In 2018, Dave Konopka announced his departure, leaving Battles as a duo. Rather than calling it quits, Williams and Stanier pressed forward, releasing "Juice B Crypts" in 2019, an album that featured collaborations with artists like Shabazz Palaces and Tune-Yards. The record demonstrated that even in their reduced form, Battles remained committed to pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic territories.
Today, Battles stands as one of the most innovative and influential experimental rock bands of the 21st century. Their influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who have embraced complexity and experimentation, from math-rock upstarts to electronic producers. They've proven that intelligence and accessibility aren't mutually exclusive, and that rock music still has the power to surprise and challenge listeners. In an era of increasingly homogenized popular music, Battles remains a beacon for those who believe that music should be an adventure, not just a soundtrack.
