Battles – Live @ Pitchfork

July 17, 2007

Judging from that famous Atlas video as well as some descriptions from friends who had seen the live incarnation of Battles, I knew what I was getting into seeing them and was excited as hell about it. There was also the people around me talking about how they had come all the way from Milwaukee just to see the band in between showing off their sweet tattoos. The band really delivered on all the hype, coming in with their highly-strapped guitars and 7-foot-tall cymbal and rocked the place out for their 45-minute long set, starting with the seven minute jam session “TIJ” and working their way backwards through Mirrored to end with Race: In.

The drums were really the star of the show here (there’s a reason why they’re placed front and center), John Stanier hammering them with military-like precision all while sweating a hole through his pink fitted shirt. Tyondai Braxton was also in top form, with his distorted Munchins-like vocals and loop-making skills in place while the other members did their part to creating the extremely layered, almost mechanical sound.

The highlight was definitely “Atlas”, which other than being one of the best tracks of the year is certainly the most melodic and hook-laden of the Battles songs. Seeing the band recreate the song live, is a one-of-a-kind experience. In closing, listen to Battles and do everything you can to see them live. Also please tell me if you know where I can find a jacket like the one Tyondai is wearing, that thing is rad.

MP3 Atlas

Posted by Taylor in Festival, Live