What makes Gloss Drop by Battles notable?

Gloss Drop received critical acclaim upon its release, appearing on numerous year-end lists and earning a spot on the Billboard 200. The album's innovative blend of genres and collaborations with artists like Gary Numan solidified Battles' position as pioneers in the experimental rock scene. Released on June 6, 2011, Gloss Drop is Battles' second studio album and follows their acclaimed debut Mirrored. At this point in their career, the band was navigating significant lineup changes, as founding member Tyondai Braxton departed shortly before the album's release, leading to a redefined creative dynamic.

Who is Gloss Drop for?

Gloss Drop works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, gradual builds and payoffs and layered, dense sonic textures.

How many songs are on Gloss Drop?

Gloss Drop has 12 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Gloss Drop

Battles · 2011

53 min · 12 tracks · experimental rock

Rhythmic complexity intertwines with eclectic soundscapes, creating a vibrant tapestry of experimental rock that challenges traditional structures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ice Cream — This track showcases the band's ability to fuse catchy melodies with intricate rhythms, featuring playful vocal contributions that enhance its infectious energy.
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My Machines — Featuring a prominent collaboration with Gary Numan, this track exemplifies the album's adventurous spirit through its driving beat and atmospheric layers.
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Wall Street — With its pulsating basslines and shifting time signatures, this track encapsulates the tension between structure and chaos that permeates the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

73 /100

Alpine

Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

Gloss Drop showcases complex rhythms and unique soundscapes, making it a standout in experimental rock.

What we noticed

Vocals are used sparingly and primarily as textural elements rather than traditional lead lines, creating a focus on the instrumental arrangements.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
gradual builds and payoffs
layered, dense sonic textures
long, immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on June 6, 2011, Gloss Drop is Battles' second studio album and follows their acclaimed debut Mirrored. At this point in their career, the band was navigating significant lineup changes, as founding member Tyondai Braxton departed shortly before the album's release, leading to a redefined creative dynamic.
Stylistic neighbors: Don Caballero· Tortoise· Hella