Battles - Ice Cream

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4...according to our Phil on Thu 19 May, 2011.

I've never really got Battles. I like the odd tune here and there but overall I've been enormously underwhelmed by 'em. I think I need to see them live as that's where it all happens. One day! Well they're back without Tyondai Braxton but with Matias Aguayo doing something or other. Apparently this has already been voted the hottest record in the world by Radio 1 so my time here is essentially wasted. I'll persevere anyway. Ice Cream is a skronky, jerky, awkward beast of a tune with a funky prog thing going on. It reminds me a bit of Grand Funk Railroad but with some electronics chucked in instead of the honky tonk. It's a catchy tune though and I like it a lot more than I thought I would. There is one track on the album I like which sounds a bit like the music from World In Action. I'm not sure what Matias Aguayo is doing on here, I wonder if he made the ice cream on the cover? Speaking of which the 12" comes in 3 different covers available in chocolate, strawberry and vanilla....

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· The gargantuan return of one of the world’s most exciting
alternative bands.

· Battles are back with ‘Ice Cream’, a “grunty, squelchy, jubilant
freakout” according to NME and ‘The Hottest Record in the
World’ according to Radio 1 (the first foreign language Hottest
Record since Bjork) – a calypso tinged rhythmic juggernaut
powering through the airwaves of Radio 1, XFM and 6Music.

· The record is released as a very limited 12” (400 in the UK),
backed with a previously unreleased track – and serves as an
appetiser for the album ‘Gloss Drop’ which arrives a fortnight
later. Who says you can’t have dessert first?

· The band have played an intimate date at London’s ICA – sold
out in an hour, and return for regional and London shows at the
start and end of June, before embarking on a full festival run
including Wireless and a headline slot at Standon Calling.

· “Bands don't come much more interesting, warped,
extraordinary and pleasantly challenging than NYC's Battles.
Every record is awaited with baited breath, and so enjoy
tonight's Hottest – Ice Cream by one hell of a band” - – Huw
Stephens, Radio 1.

· "I love it...absolutely ace, good to have them back“ – Lauren
Laverne, 6Music.