Battles, Manchester Apollo

Tyondai Braxton’s departure from Battles could have been a fatal blow to the band, but instead it marks an unprecedented chance for unity. Without their former sort-of-frontman, Battles look at ease, all in a line, transfixed by their music each in their own way, but equally. This new look Battles is a study in equilibrium, a lesson in economy.

Drummer Jon Stanier remains at the heart of all things Battles, his tireless work and primal movements the driving force for all the intricacy and precision to his left and right. Starting sat on the floor gently shaking percussion for opener ‘Africastle’ (not the ill-advised Animal Collective rehash its name might suggest) the ex-Helmet drummer grows into a colossus, with his cymbal almost 7 feet in the air seemingly only to offer him a challenge when hitting it. Nevertheless it is a slow, tentative start for one of the trio, bassist Dave Konopka almost hesitantly checking levels and signalling to his band mates despite the fact Ian Williams in a world all of his own.

As the set rolls on Kopnopka seems more or less satisfied while William amuses himself finger-tapping guitars while playing keyboard too. Despite his obvious mastery of his music, Williams still reserves a special glee for hitting the cowbell high and to his right. The former Don Caballero man exudes the charm and eclecticism that epitomises this incarnation of Battles and from the first minute to the last it’s hard to imagine that he’d rather be anywhere else in the world.

Feeling as though I’d got to know Battles all over again, I was introduced to the several guest stars of new album, ‘Gloss Drop’, by them appearing on the two screens sets up behind the band. First Kazu Makino of Blonde Redhead fame for the infinitely danceable bass-led ‘Sweetie And Shag’ and then Boredom’s frontman Yamantaka Eye for the trippy ‘Sundome’.

With Battles in full swing the industrial stabs of ‘My Machines’ and Gary Numan’s unmistakable face beaming from behind the band, as though it was something out of 1984, brought the whole venue to a frenzy, one that was kept alive by closer ‘Futura’. A notable ending as even though the set had somewhat used the guest-stars as landmarks this was Battles alone and at their best, focussed and resolute but enjoying themselves more than ever.

No, they didn’t play ‘Atlas’; but it wasn’t missed.