Battles

Battles cemented their position in experimental rock with their critically acclaimed debut studio album, Mirrored, released in 2007. The album garnered widespread recognition, with publications like Pitchfork highlighting its innovative integration of electronic elements with traditional instrumentation. Its lead single, ‘Atlas,’ was named NME’s Single of the Week in 2007. The group, which solidified its initial lineup with guitarist/keyboardist Ian Williams (formerly of Don Caballero and Storm & Stress), drummer John Stanier (previously of Helmet), composer/vocalist Tyondai Braxton, and guitarist/bassist Dave Konopka, built a foundation with early EPs.

These initial recordings, EP C (2004) and B EP (2004), were compiled and released as EP C / B EP in 2006 after Battles signed with Warp Records. Music from this period was also featured in diverse media, including the video game LittleBigPlanet (2008) and the film The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010). Following this initial success, Battles continued to evolve their distinctive sound through extensive touring, including acclaimed performances at the All Tomorrow’s Parties festival in both 2007 and 2011, and an appearance on BBC television’s Later With Jools Holland in 2007. Their collaborative spirit was evident early on with the Tonto video, created in partnership with United Visual Artists in 2007.

This was followed by opening for Mr. Bungle’s North American tour in 2023, showcasing their enduring appeal to diverse rock audiences. Battles continues to be an active force in the experimental music landscape, consistently delivering innovative soundscapes and captivating live performances.