Battle - Break The Banks

It’s very hard keeping up with bands these days, especially when all their names are the same. Step up Battle (note the singular form) who are nothing like their progressive, instru-rock counterpointing pluralist counterparts Battles. Don’t worry about the likeness though; if you like one then it’s highly likely you won’t like the other.

Battle are a guitar-based 4-piece from London who are alleged, via the songwriting monopoly held by frontman Jason Bavanandan, to bear comparison to Joy Division, New Order and The Cure. It is unfortunate then, that they come across as bland, droning and without energy. They would sound similar to their heroes, if Curtis, Hook and Smith respectively were playing without any hands. Battle’s lyrics purport to follow along the lines of ‘hope in adversity’ and it’s just as well – these chumps have a steep hill to climb before they become champs.

If there were highlights, then at least ‘The Longest Time’ hammers in ‘Break The Bank’s intentions with with a thick stake of uncompromising Coldplay-core as contrived as it is unexciting. Meanwhile, ‘Paper Street’ whines on like a self-righteous Levellers diatribe, except without any element of character, writhing in self-induced agony, echoing guitars widdling in the background to little avail.

If the anonymous and unassuming is your cup of tea, then go for Battle. They deal, lyrically at least, with the passion of the individual in achieving their dreams and stuff like that, which is all well and good (if not slightly condescending). It’s just that the lack of direction, dynamics or general noteworthiness of ‘Break The Banks’ is more condusive to sleep than it is to personal development, enjoyment, or to deserving any of your money.