Battles, 'Sun Dome' (Interface)

Battles came together in 2002 as a veritable supergroup of seasoned musicians and veterans of the '90s avant-rock and hardcore scenes. The lineup includes Ian Williams from Don Caballero, drummer John Stanier of the pre-grunge band Helmet and Dave Konopka of the spazz-rock group Lynx.

'Gloss Drop' continues their minimal approach to songwriting and features guest vocals from the likes of Gary Numan, Matias Aguayo, and Kazu Makino from Blonde Redhead.

"As a band we say we dislike [the term math rock] immensely, but there's really not much you can do about it. But obviously I would prefer if people don't [use it]. I think it's kind of a ridiculous term. Not even to mention that fact that it's an old term that's from the early 90's that his [Ian's] old band helped basically invent." -- John Stainer