Gloss Drop

Throughout rock history, bands continuing on after losing their driving force have found themselves in a do (New Order) or die (The Doors) situation. The deck surely seemed stacked against New York band Battles after creative juggernaut Tyondai Braxton jumped ship. Nevertheless, for their second album, the now-threesome has doubled down, declining to replace their erstwhile comrade-in-arms but somehow making a bigger noise with three members than they did with four. Battles hasn't drastically changed course on Gloss Drop - they continue to come off like the contemporary heirs to the ‘90s post-rock mantle on the album's instrumental tracks. But even as they've consolidated their sonic powers amongst the remaining players, they've simultaneously opened up a side door and let the outside world in, by inviting an intriguing array of guest vocalists in on their sessions. The most striking of these is Gary Numan, whose post-apocalyptic wail complements the churning rhythms and sniper-fire riffs of "My Machines" perfectly, but Battles also calls on the talents of such unexpected allies as The Boredoms' Yamantaka Eye ("Sundome") and Blonde Redhead's Kazu Makino ("Sweetie and Shag"). And while they remain unafraid of experimenting with everything from polyrhythm to minimalism, Battles manages to make the groove-heavy Gloss Drop their most visceral statement to date.