It’s obvious early on tonight that Battles are a serious band. First off there’s the long wait to even get into the venue. The doors are locked while the band are on stage warming up and checking their gear – but even when they’re done there’s another 20 minutes or so waiting for them to come back on.
When they do, all the audience get from vocalist Tyondai Braxton is a cursory wave. There’s a reason – the band aren’t done checking their equipment yet. Everyone leaves the stage but for bassist Dave Konopka, who seems intent on keeping us waiting even longer, as he fine tunes his equipment. Seriously lads, this is getting a bit much.
But then a long scratchy riff-out from Konopka contorts itself into something with real momentum and his bandmates all re-emerge. Braxton contributes the limited vocals that the band offer, but drummer John Stanier is the focal point. He drives their sound forward, providing the bedrock on which the other three lay their melodies.
Watching Battles onstage is an odd experience – each musician has his own dynamic, but then they collide together – and when they do the aural affect is frequently stunning. Tracks like ‘Atlas’ and ‘Race In’ are a remarkable live experience; it’s impossible not to get caught up in their pulsating climaxes.
There are points where the set inevitably lags, though. Without a real frontman, so to speak, the more downbeat songs can lose some of their power and potency. But that’s a minor complaint in a set that is enthralling, and ultimately energising. This gig was a sellout, with even liggers suffering as the guestlist was squeezed tight. However a sign on the door informed people that Battles will be back in autumn in a bigger venue. My advice: get yourself a ticket as soon as they go on sale.