Reduced to a duo, Battles continue to make chaotically great music while incorporating a wide variety of guest appearances. They sound like they haven't missed a beat.
As far as modern contemporary music goes, very few bands have been able to produce as interesting, experimental and chaotic music as Battles have. The group's three records have each been captivating, especially how influential and fresh 2007's Mirrored was (and still is). The group combines instrumental rock with repetitive electronic loops, glitchy sounds, odd compositions, and quirky guest appearances here and there. 2011's Gloss Drop captured the pure fun aesthetic along with more pop appeal and added guest vocals, while 2015's La Di Da Di was entirely instrumental, with much more tightly compacted grooves and structures. All of the previous records being phenomenal in my opinion, it comes to no surprise that Juice B Crypts is one of my most anticipated releases this year. What is noticeably different about Juice B Crypts, Battles' fourth studio album, is that the trio is now cut down to a duo. Dave Konopka, the group's main guitarist and mind behind all of the off-the-wall album art, is completely absent. Electronic-head Ian Williams and cymbal beast John Stanier remain. As far as the new album goes, Ian and John haven't missed a beat.
Juice B Crypts doesn't sound too far off from their previous efforts instrumentally. The overall sound this time around is quite similar to La Di Da Di, where the electronics, drums, and glitchy loops are in the focus rather than the abrasive guitar. It's still there, don't worry, but it's not as prominent. They've decided to add numerous guest vocal appearances throughout the record, similar to that of Gloss Drop. It's exciting to see the wide arrange of new guests, especially knowing how well guests have been placed into the band's songs in the past. Overall, the majority of the songs are still as bouncy and fun as expected, while writing some of the group's best compositions to date. The performances are strong: John's drumming is monstrous and beastly and Ian's glitchy loops, guitar and keys are adaptive and satisfying.
"Ambulance" is the perfect album opener. It's head nodding, foot stomping guitar-driven groove and steady drums repeats over and over and gets more and more intense. It's fantastic and familiar, and would have neatly fit in with their previous album. It reminds me of how amazing and explosive "The Yabba" and "Africastle" are as previous openers. "A Loop So Nice..." and "They Played It Twice" act as a two part composition. The first track features these chilling keys over some slow moving grooves. It sounds like a solid buildup to the next track. Featuring Xenia Rubinos on lead vocals, the second track builds up and finally explodes in Battles fashion. Rubinos' vocals are powerful and moving on the track. They really add to the already great track instrumentally. The added harmonies from Taiwanese band Prairie WWWW and Jon Anderson (of Yes fame) on "Sugarfoot" act as the focal point. They are haunting and kind of twisted, but they definitely add texture to the track, making it unique. Though not my favorite on the album, I appreciate the harmonies, heavy guitars and rock-centric noise of the song. Another that isn't really my favorite (but I still enjoy) is "IZM." Featuring experimental rap group Shabazz Palaces, it has these trippy electronic loops under the rapping. They sound fine, but the track never progresses into anything. It kind of just stays in its perpetual moment it started with but never changes.
"Fort Greene Park" is the best composition on the entire album (hands down) and acts as the centerpiece. It was originally released as a single and can understand why. Its guitar twang and riffs, moody keys, and percussion are the most memorable moments of the song. It's actually quite moving and epic in a way, hearing it all come together in its climax. "Titanium 2 Step," featuring Liquid Liquid's Sal Principato, is the album's catchiest and most danceable song. It's pure fun with Sal's chaotic shouts and shrieks over a bustling, pounding bass and drum kit. It sounds massive and explosive. It's the closest thing to sounding like a bouncy castle on steroids since 2011's "Ice Cream" (which is still one of my favorite singles of all time). A true 2019 highlight for me. I can see why people wouldn't like it due to its very repetitive grooves and rhythm, but I freaking love it to death. "Hiro 3" is a cute piano-driven interlude that lasts about a minute. It's a nice quick break from all the noisy chaos, but I could honestly do without it. There isn't really anything memorable about the tune.
The title track is a glitchy and loud track that's nonetheless very enjoyable, even though they kind of play it safe here instrumentally. It sounds a little too compressed, also. The last two tracks, "Last Supper on Shasta" Parts 1 and 2, are yet again a two-parter. This was one of the most exciting tracks to me because it features none other than Merrill Garbus of Tune-Yards. I mean, two of my favorite groups colliding on a track, how cool is that? I think it plays out nicely overall, the second part being more interesting than the first. It's very electronic heavy and has a lot going on. Garbus' vocals are alright on top of the track. I kind of wish her performance was more unexpected or different, but I still think her vocals are good. The first part is much more pop-structured while the second part is more epic and intense. The second part is way more satisfying with stronger performances. It has the most monstrous and noisy performance on the entire album with lightning fast drumming and electronics. I do love how the sole classical piano keys end the album and loop into the same melody that the album opens up with, making it a seamless listen. The simple, classical piano sure is different coming from Battles.
Juice B Crypts is not my favorite Battles album and I would argue to say that it's my least favorite. Some of the compositions aren't as memorable as those from previous albums. Not all the guests pan out perfectly like on Gloss Drop. The overall sound is very, very familiar to La Di Da Di and they really played it safe with only a few risks taken. All that being said, I still found Juice B Crypts to be a very enjoyable and solid addition to the already consistently great discography. Don't come into this thinking it wouldn't be as good because of Battles losing a key member. The performances are still fantastic and it still amazes me that this layered chaotic sound is coming from just two people. For those who love Ian's loops, John's drumming, and that signature "Battles" sound, then look no further. The Battles train is still running smoothly and hopefully this isn't their last stop.
My Rating: 8 / 10
Favorite Songs: "Titanium 2 Step," "Ambulance," "Fort Greene Park," "Last Supper On Shasta Pt. 2"
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