Stanier's drum setup is defined by both its bright yellow color and its extremely high Zildjian K ride cymbal, arguably the band's most distinctive visual trademarks. He believes the ride cymbal is overused in drumming, so he wanted to make it more of an effort to play it, forcing himself to jump up from his seat to hit it during live performances.
The band released two EPs and a single in 2004, each on a different record label (Cold Sweat, Monitor and Dim Mak); all three releases were packaged together in a reissue on Warp in 2006. With hype built up around their initial EPs and the "Atlas" single (which included a remix by DJ Koze), Battles released their debut album Mirrored via Warp on May 14, 2007 to substantial critical acclaim. "Tonto" was later issued as a single in October, its accompanying video directed by design group United Visual Artists and then soon bundled with an EP that featured remixes by Four Tet and The Field.
Gloss Drop, the band's sophomore album, was released on June 6, 2011 (again on Warp), anchored by singles "Ice Cream" and "My Machines". In lieu of the departed Braxton, several guest vocalists were brought in: Chilean DJ/producer Matias Aguayo on "Ice Cream", British singer/musician Gary Numan on "My Machines", Japanese musician Kazu Makino (of Blonde Redhead) on "Sweetie & Shag", and Japanese vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Yamantaka Eye (of Boredoms) on "Sundome". Like its predecessor the album was met with positive reviews, with many critics praising the guest vocal spots.
A four-part remix album series via Warp entitled Dross Glop arrived in the spring of 2012 (later bundled into a compilation), featuring interpretations of Gloss Drop's tracklist by Gui Boratto, The Field, The Alchemist, Shabazz Palaces, Kode9 (owner of Hyperdub), Silent Servant (of Sandwell District), Kangding Ray, Hans-Joachim Roedelius (as Qluster), Brian DeGraw (of Gang Gang Dance), Hudson Mohawke, Patrick Mahoney & Dennis McNany (also known as Museum of Love), and Yamantaka Eye.
In 2015, following a characteristically extended break of writing and recording, Battles announced their third album entitled La Di Da Di, to be released by Warp on September 18, 2015. They debuted four songs including lead track "The Yabba" on a livestream in August.
Battles' fourth album, Juice B Crypts, was released on October 18, 2019.
Tonto
Battles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The night is still
The night is still, calm
Still combative
But never attacks
The lyrics of Battles' song Tonto can be interpreted in a number of ways. The main theme, as suggested by the title, is the presence of the Native American character Tonto. The opening lines, "The night / The night is still," set the stage for the atmosphere of the song. The use of the word "still" can be interpreted as a sense of calm or peacefulness, but can also connote a sense of suspension or being frozen in time.
The next line, "Still combative," introduces a layer of complexity to the song's mood. The use of the word "combative" implies conflict or aggression, which is at odds with the previous line's peacefulness. This juxtaposition sets up the song's central conceit, which is the idea that opposing concepts (such as calm vs. aggression) can coexist simultaneously.
The final line, "But never attacks," reinforces the idea that the song is exploring the nuances of balance between seemingly-opposing forces. By presenting the idea that even something that could be seen as combative does not actually attack, the song suggests that what we perceive as aggression or violence may not be as straightforward as we think.
Line by Line Meaning
The night
The time when it is dark outside
The night is still
It is quiet and peaceful outside
Still combative
Even in its peaceful state, it has the potential to be confrontational
But never attacks
However, it does not initiate aggression
Lyrics © WARP MUSIC LIMITED
Written by: IAN WILLIAMS, TYONDAI BRAXTON, DAVID KONOPKA, JOHN D JR STANIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Subcide
Stanier is like a human drum machine. He's so precise even on fast and complex time signatures. He doesn't need to solo to be a fantastic drummer, and he suits this band perfectly.
@lizisverycool8711
Can we get an F from the future ;(
@thetexanhusky
@@lizisverycool8711 Why? Stanier is still with the group.
@lizisverycool8711
@@thetexanhusky Yeah I mixed up the drummer and bassist lol.
@AaronKaiMCDNLD
It's amazing for a band that utlizes 90% electronic instruments, he can fucking keep up with them better than a drum machine.
@Subtletext
Guy's a legend- played in Helmet. Mark of Cain...who am I forgetting? Point is he is legendary!
@jwish827
Holy shit, this drummer is amazing! I've never heard any drummer slow down so gradually and make it intentional!
@Synthlordz
You have now
@TastySnackies
Some say he’s still slowing down even today
@FrankGonzalezIV
THIS SERIOUSLY NEEDS TO RE FILMED IN HD