Battles - Atlas
[Warp]

No one could have seen or predicted the new direction taken by Battles on their new single Atlas. Firstly, there's the inclusion of vocals and gone are the multi-layered math-rock styles of their EP collection EP C / B EP, instead to make a future-freak-pop track.

True the rhythms are still there, thanks to the heavy use of drums which dictate most of the song, but for the first time we see Battles in a different light - making music that is instantly accessible, yet still retains some of the band's experimental attitude.

Not since Liars' self-explanatory Drums Not Dead long-player have we heard such an emphasis on drums and it's the one factor which makes Atlas so addictive, so beefy in sound and even makes the single danceable.

Throw in some weird and wonderful vocals, which sound helium-filled and alien like Joe Meek's Blue Men have returned from their New World, and you have one of the most insanely inventive pop smashes of the year.

Atlas could and should see the group raising their profile somewhat and although their fanbase seems divided by this direction, it is refreshing to see a band attempting to try something new. Nobody likes a one-trick pony.

Track Listing:

1. Atlas
2. Atlas (DJ Koze Mix)