Battles is an American experimental rock group, founded in 2002 in New York City by Ian Williams. Following a string of EPs, the band released their debut album on the Warp Records label in February 2006, which was titled EP C/B EP. It is a compilation of their early releases, EP C, B EP, and the single Tras.
Battles' first full-length album Mirrored was released on May 14, 2007. This was the first time the band incorporated vocals into their songs, as the previous EPs were completely instrumental. The album received positive reviews and appeared on several top album lists for 2007. The first single and video from the album, Atlas, was released to critical acclaim. Battles also released a video for the single Tonto, in which they collaborated with celebrated light artists UVA (United Visual Artists). Their song The Line was featured on the Twilight Saga: Eclipse soundtrack. In mid 2010 original member Tyondai Braxton (guitar, keyboards, vocals) left the band due to commitments to his solo work and his desire not to tour.
Battles' second studio album Gloss Drop was released on June 6, 2011 to great acclaim. It was the band's first release since the departure of Braxton. Most of the album is instrumental, but vocals are provided by various guests performers including Matias Aguayo, Gary Numan, Kazu Makino, and Yamantaka Eye. The first single and video was Ice Cream and the second single and video was My Machines. The band also recorded special live videos of Wall Street and Futura. In December 2011 the band curated the All Tomorrow's Parties "Nightmare Before Christmas" festival in England.
The band's first remix album, Dross Glop, was released on CD on April 16, 2012, compiling remixes released on vinyl from February to April of that year and featuring remixes of Gloss Drop songs from artists such as The Field, Shabazz Palaces, Kode9, and Hudson Mohawke, among others.
In July 2015, Battles announced their long-awaited third studio album, with the title of La Di Da Di, which was released September 18, 2015 and accompanied by a world tour. The album received mostly positive reviews from music critics. Prior to the album release, and in conjunction with Ableton, Battles released their mini-documentary The Art Of Repetition, a short film that showed Battles in their rehearsal space, studio, and on stage. Battles also performed a live session with four songs from the new album, which was streamed online in a 24-hour loop on the band's website. The first single and video from the album was The Yabba and the second single and video was Dot Net.
In late 2017 original member Dave Konopka (bass, guitar, pedals, art direction; formerly of Lynx) left the band for personal reasons. It was announced on social media in mid 2019 in anticipation of the band's fourth studio album.
In August 2019, Battles announced their fourth studio album, Juice B Crypts , along with a video for the first single Titanium 2 Step. The album was released on October 18, 2019 to critical acclaim. The second single and video was A Loop So Nice... / They Played It Twice and the third was Fort Greene Park. In 2020, Battles held a remix competition for Juice B Crypts, which drew over 300 entries. Their touring was interrupted by coronavirus. The remix EP Juice B Mixed was released on November 19, 2020.
Ian Williams (guitar, keyboards, electronics) is formerly of Don Caballero and Storm & Stress.
John Stanier (drums) is formerly of Helmet, Tomahawk, and The Mark of Cain.
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