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Battles - Mirrored Featured

Sunday, 15 June 2008

Editor's rating

9.4

out of 10

Reviewed by:
Chad Coup
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Sunday, 15 June 2008
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Music Information

Track Listing:
01. Race: In
02. Atlas
03. Ddiamondd
04. Tonto
05. Leyendecker
06. Rainbow
07. Bad Trails
08. Prismism
09. Snare Hangar
10. Tij
11. Race: Out

Title: Mirrored
Genre: Alternative • Progressive Rock • Instrumental
Release Date: 22 May 2007
Record Label: Warp Records
Format: Full-length
Country: United States of America
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Editor review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful


Overall rating (weighted)		9.4
Musicianship		9.0
Composition		9.0
Experimentation		10.0
Production		9.0
Value		10.0

Experimental music has been on my radar recently thanks to this album. Having listened and being underwhelmed by this band's previous two EPs, I was very curious to see if this full-length improved on its predecessors' solid basic formula. I'm confident in saying that 'Mirrored' is one of the finest experimental progressive rock records of all time. Equal parts pop, IDM, math rock, and krautrock, 'Mirrored' is an accessible, varied and ultimately harmonious experience. I basically went into it with a deaf ear and got more than I ever knew I wanted.

Vocals are included in this recording for the first time in Battles' history. However, I still classify it as an instrumental album. The reason being is this: the vocals are just noises and sounds. The lyrics - if there are any - are completely unintelligible and unimportant. The intent of this choice is to add another sound texture to the pot. The vocals are heavily-processed and contrast nicely with the instruments both pre-recorded/looped and studio-recorded. I wish more bands would do the experimental vocal stuff present here; it's neat and very effective.

Mirrored is an album of considerable depth. Not a collection of songs, as some would claim, this record has many things that give a good wrap-around. The tone and quality of the recording is very consistent and clear. The mix between organic and electronic is as seamless as it is profound. Genres swirl in and out of each other effortlessly while providing a balance that's very hard to come by. It's pop music for prog heads. It's ear gourmet for experimental/noise fans. It's like Bobby McFerrin remixed 80s-era King Crimson. It's like Faust listened to Boards of Canada and made another album.

Going into detail of each song would be both boring and pointless. 'Mirrored' is an album to discover on its own terms. I can say that it has made an impact on my musical taste's range. It's an ear-expanding, gate-opening listen. For those who are interested in exploring new feelings and sounds in music, this album remains very accessible for most, yet diverse enough for experienced listeners. It's very rare for a band to do such a thing so well. For jaded prog fans that want something exciting and not stuff that's stuck in 7/4 all the time, 'Mirrored' is that album. Battles took a brave leap here and succeeded wonderfully. Try something that's truly different. Make your music collection more eclectic and interesting. Get this album; take some time with it, and eventually, it will become a mainstay in your music rotation.

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