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Battles Joined by Filmed Guest Vocalists at London Gig

Gino DePinto, AOL

When it comes to regrouping and reconsolidating, Battles have had it tougher than most. The loss of singer-guitarist Tyondai Braxton forced the band to scrap the work they'd begun on the follow-up to their highly acclaimed debut, 'Mirrored,' and go back to square one. As displayed by the finished results in the shape of new album, 'Gloss Drop,' Battles have dusted themselves down and reconstructed their sound to fit the confines of a trio.

With one problem solved, the second arises of how to present the contributions of guest vocalists Matias Aguayo, Gary Numan and Blonde Redhead's Kazu Makino. With conflicting schedules and domestic locations spread over several continents, the possibility of all three making a guest appearance at Battles' first London gig as a three-piece at Heaven was never going to be a reality.

But rather than keeping the audience waiting to find out the answer, 'Sweetie & Shag' is dropped early and Kazu Makino's face appears on two screens located behind the band. It's a little disconcerting at first but the fact that the band plays in perfect synchronicity with the pre-recorded vocals is a testament to Battles' skills as musicians able to deliver highly complex beats and rhythms across a variety of instruments.

Similarly, Numan's disembodied head floats ominously as his characteristically multi-track and nasal vocals drive 'My Machines' with a teeth-grinding urgency, though Aguayo's contribution on the delicious 'Ice Cream' briefly falls out of synch.

But the real heroes are Battles themselves. As Ian Williams and Dave Konopka switch effortlessly from guitar, bass, keyboards and back again -- more often than not in the space of a single song -- drummer John Stanier steers proceedings at the centre of both the stage and the maelstrom emanating from it. Their frightening proficiency is matched by a performance that's nothing less than compelling.

Watch the Video for Battles' 'Ice Cream'

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