BATTLES (London Koko, 11/10/07)

One of 2007’s most exciting and original bands, Battles have garnered a formidable (and well deserved) reputation for their stunning live shows. Huddled round the hulking figure of ubermensch drummer John Stanier, their idiosyncratic blend of jazz rhythms, tech-metal, electronica and straight-out rock are delivered with the energy of a small nuclear bomb. Crazy-haired Tyondai Williams provides vocals (and the occasional burst of beatboxing) whilst playing simultaneously taking on guitar and keys, Dave Konopka lays down the bass and plays havoc with the effects pedals, Ian Williams’ pips in with anarchic rubato synths but it’s Stanier’s relentless, unnaturally precise drumming that lies at the heart of their avant-garde chaos. Blessed with an nigh-on perfect sense of timing, the band shift tempo and time-signatures with effortless ease, delivering intricate rhythms via a complex interplay between all four band members. The sheer level of instrumental proficiency is quite astonishing to behold, especially when coupled to the extraordinary viscerality of their performance.

Unfortunately, it’s this faultless technical pizzazz that’s also the reason why this performance (the third time I’ve seen them) couldn’t quite reach the heady heights of their mind-blowing show at the Scala in May. They’re such a tight unit, with such meticulous attention to detail that there’s no room for spontaneity; things that left you open-mouthed with wonder first time round lack the same punch on repeated viewings. Although their intensity and skill are beyond question, it’s a shame there’s not more variety between their sets. Also, their deliberate avoidance of melody and occasional forays into the dark depths of self-indulgence makes some stretches unnecessarily hard-going.

Saying that, all criticism was rendered mute in the face of the mighty Atlas; its relentless glam drum-line, Animal Collective-esque vocodered chorus and madly infectious syncopated guitar driving incessantly into the audience’s consciousness. Propelled with enough energy to power half of Africa, the entire Koko found itself bouncing up and down to this most unlikely of anthems, its eardrum-bursting, ground-shuddering intensity lending to an utterly sublime nine minutes of live music. If the rest of the show had maintained that lofty standard, Battles would quite possibly be the best live band in the world. They didn’t, of course, but for a band that so easily could have been insufferably pretentious on stage, they put on a truly marvellous spectacle, and one that’s thoroughly recommended for all lovers of live music.

Oh, and lest I forget- almost as impressive were their opening act Parts and Labor. Combining the blindingly intense math-rock of 65daysofstatic with the melodic nous of Menomena and a touch of Ratatat-style guitar, what the Brooklyn 3-piece may have lacked in the variety stakes they made up with a performance that’d put half the bands I’ve paid to see to shame. A glorious racket if ever heard one, they’re a band that I’d love to see get the acclaim they deserve.