What makes Break the Banks by Battle notable?

Break the Banks received critical acclaim upon release, with notable praise from publications like NME and Dork, where it was hailed for its fresh approach to indie rock. The album's success helped establish Battle as a significant player in the UK music scene during the late 2000s, leading to tours and further recognition. Released in January 2007, Break the Banks was Battle's debut album, positioning them as a new voice in the UK indie rock scene. The album followed their early singles, showcasing a matured sound and lyrical depth that marked their entry into the mainstream music landscape.

How many songs are on Break the Banks?

Break the Banks has 10 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Break the Banks

Battle · 2007

39 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

A gritty blend of indie rock infused with introspective lyrics and dynamic guitar-driven melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Demons — This track captures the album's darker themes through haunting melodies and poignant lyrics about internal struggles, making it a standout representation of Battle's emotional depth.
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The Time for Talking Is Almost Over — With its urgent tempo and incisive lyrics, this track encapsulates the band's call to action, reflecting social anxieties prevalent at the time.
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Looking for Bullets — This song features an infectious chorus and layered instrumentals that showcase Battle's adeptness at blending catchy hooks with serious undertones.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid songwriting and production but doesn't significantly stand out in the indie rock genre.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving guitar riffs, while the second half shifts to more introspective and slower melodies.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that build tension before resolving in the choruses.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Sit With Me

The song shifts perspective mid-way, addressing a friend directly with vulnerability after previously maintaining a more detached narrative voice.

This shift invites intimacy into the song, contrasting earlier observational lyrics while highlighting personal connection amidst broader themes.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 The Longest Time 4:33
2 Negotiation 3:33
3 Demons 4:04
4 Paper Street 3:58
5 North Sea 3:48
6 Looking for Bullets 4:27
7 History 3:28
8 The Time for Talking Is Almost Over 2:39
9 Sit With Me 5:02
10 The Other Way 4:12

What to play next

Go back to

Back to Earth

Full Battle discography Artists like Battle

indie rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata